THE MOINE ESTABLISHEMENT

Description

Why not invite rhubarb to your table?

"In the mouth it almost taste like a Sauternes". Blind tasting a Crillon des Vosges wine is a trap that sommeliers love to set. Liquorous but light, perfectly balanced with a hint of fresh acidity, vintage effect impossible to determine: this rhubarb wine is a curiosity, an enigma and a delight.

The story is not common and deserves a trip to the past. In 1985 the Moine family travelled to Belgium, the land of chicory, to visit production units, with the idea of becoming an endive producer.

By chance, the patriarch Michel and his two sons, Damien and Yannick, came into contact with a retired market gardener who wanted to sell his rhubarb plants. These vegetables, which had passed into the fruit clan, migrated to the Vosges where they grew vigorously in a shady area, without fertiliser or pesticides.

After a good harvest in 1989, the idea was born to revive an ancestral recipe handed down by the grandmother: "rhubarb wine". The great adventure was launched. Once "vinified", the amber juice provided a golden elixir with subtle aromas.

With its 12,000 rhubarb vines, Maison Moine produces the Crillon des Vosges, which is courted by the great Michelin-starred restaurants and sold in 12 countries around the world. It is the perfect accompaniment to foie gras and strong cheeses. There is also a range of sparkling wines and the ruby rhubarb juice, an artisanal juice with a unique taste.

The shop is open all year round (except Sundays and public holidays) from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm with tastings of rhubarb products.

For groups of 15 people, visits can also be organised on Sundays and bank holidays.

Maison MOINE 1090 LA MANCHE LIEU DIT RASEY 88220 XERTIGNY (+33)3.29.30.83.78

• Coach park