We arrived at Chateau Franc Mayne at around 15:45, just enough time to book into the hotel before doing the tour of winery. What a place, we are in the Indian Fusion room with a four poster bed and a view over the central courtyard.
The tour was interesting and took in the fermentation vats in the Chateau its self, a walk through the vines, the limestone caves they use as a giant cellar
to mature the wine and finally a tasting. We were offered samples of both the first and second wine they make from 2002. The Grand Cru (their second wine) had a huge spicy flavour that was almost too much on its own but would have perfectly balanced some cheese. The Grand Cru Classic (their first wine) was far more refined however with our clearly inferior pallets we could not see where the extra cost was justified and both agreed that we would choose the second wine for enjoyment. The tour was fantastic value at 6€, even better for guests who have it included in the room rate (-:
After the tour we took some time to explore the Chateau and its grounds. The house itself is beautifully appointed with some huge chandeliers. The grounds contain a naturally filtered swimming pool set in a perfectly kept garden.
As we watched a number of hot-air balloons drift across the sky we were feeling very content.
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