Photograph of the Stroud valley and hillside vineyards courtesy of ©MikeBarby
At first glance it might seem a big stretch of the imagination to make a comparison between an area in the UK famed for it’s beauty and one of the most famous wine regions in France but for Candida and Graham who moved from the UK and re-established their Interior Design and Interiors business in Beaune, Burgundy and subsequently returned home to Cirencester and re-opened their business the beautiful Cotswolds do not seem so very different in many ways.
Protected Status - Beauty is officially recognised
Coaley Peak courtesy of ©MikeBarby and the Monthelie vineyards courtesy of ©SueBoxell
Let’s start by looking at the areas themselves, of course we know that The Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK and one of the most visited areas for tourists and sought after areas to settle in. It is famed for its picture perfect rolling countryside, the honey coloured stone and meandering country lanes, it’s handsome towns and lovely villages.
The Côte d’Or, by comparison, the hillside vineyards that start from Dijon in the North stretch for only 30 miles, however in 2015 this hillside and these vineyards were designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The patchwork of ‘climat’, which are the individual small vineyards often worked and cared for by single owners, have been recognised for their historical and cultural significance. Interestingly the geology of this French region is so similar to The Cotswolds that for a time stone was exported from that area of France to make roofing slates for properties in The Cotswolds!
Different Wine Similar Problems
Photograph of ‘bougies’ courtesy of the Larkhill Vineyard and the Côte de Beaune vineyards
OK let’s not stretch the similarities between the two areas as far as wine is concerned too far, although English wines are getting excellent reviews from blind tastings, but the problems faced by hard working vignerons are comparable. This year (2021) the Côte d’Or has experienced extremely cold temperatures with devastating frosts and here in the UK records show it has been the most frosty for 60 years. In an attempt to save the new buds candles are distributed amongst the vines to try to raise the air temperature sufficiently to stop frost damage. This very same method is used by the fabulous Larkhill Vineyard in Tetbury and by others vineyards in the region.
To be continued ..................
fairfax thomson interiors, www.fairfaxthomsoninteriors.com, is a family owned, independent Interior Design and Interiors showroom and studio based in Cirencester.
In addition to a full Interior Design and Project Management service we offer wallpapers, fabrics and trimmings from well known brands, bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings, lighting and lamps, interior furnishings, tailored furniture, bespoke rugs and giftware.
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