One of the best things to happen to Espalion in recent years? The opening of this authentic wine bar, beautifully adorned with its wood-clad and blue-toned decor, run by Jérôme Luce, a former sommelier for the Bras universe, and his multitasking wife Violaine. You’ll find the crème de la crème of winemakers from the Aveyron on their shelves, including those from the Rols brothers, Pauline Broqua and Nicolas Carmarans, along with wines from other regions – La Roche Buissière in the Rhône, Les Hautes Terres in Limoux, La Spanda in the Roussillon… Tasted and enjoyed the night we went, a dark and rich Aveyron wine from the Château Beauregard located just a few miles away (€18, not including the €6.50 corkage fee), and M Comme Je Suis, a malepère produced by Frédéric Palacios (€15.50). All of which pairs perfectly with the outstanding plates, prepared using local, seasonal ingredients: farçous fritters made with fresh herbs and mimosa-style eggs, extraordinary lamb ragù from La Ferme de Mayrinhac, strawberry panna cotta. // Larosé
THE BULLET-PROOF BOTTLE: Champêtre blanc 2014, one of the best vintages from Laurent Cazottes, a flavor-packed mauzac with notes of pear and gasoline worthy of a fine Alsatian wine (€24).
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