Absence

Here is a wide view of a Minervois landscape with not a single vine to be seen -- things are changing around here. It's possible the green field here may be replanted in a year or two, and there was a newly planted olive grove just out of frame to the left. But the monoculture of vines has changed dramatically over the last five years, with many growers taking EU money to pull up their vines and retire. 

A lovely choir practice weekend, hence not much time for blipping. I grabbed this on the way to practice this morning. We'd planned to eat in the fish shop at lunchtime, but when we got there, there was a table of 18 people crammed into it, tucking into freshly grilled fish. The cook's face when the waitress asked if she could fit another four in was priceless. Instead we picked another place down the road just because it was handy and were very pleasantly surprised by the varied, freshly cooked menu: risotto, Oriental stir-fried beef and vegetables, and slow-cooked pork belly were all pronounced excellent. We skipped the wine so as not to fall asleep after lunch, so I'm enjoying a glass now. A very satisfying weekend.