Cuvée: wine from the Rhône
“ODidn’t start from scratch, ”smiles Pauline Couvertier. It was in 2012 that she decided, with two oenologist friends, to buy a barge to transform it into a wine bar: “It was first used to transport coal and grain before being transformed into a home… was in very poor condition and, to bring it up to standard to accommodate the public, everything has been redone. »After a titanic five-year project, the barge is moored on the banks of the Rhône, at Île Piot, which constitutes the southern tip of Île de la Barthelasse, a district of Avignon offering a breathtaking view of the old town and the Palace of the Popes. The opening took place on July 14, 2017.
In summer, customers sit on the terrace on the bank or on the popular pontoon; and in winter, it is in the hold that we taste, from a choice of 160 wines selected by Pauline (also available for sale to take away), including about twenty vintages by the glass. Lots of regional wines, with a big emphasis on Loire and Burgundy, then Savoie, Jura, South-West, Languedoc, Provence and Corsica: “We also offer foreign wines,” she explains. the selection turns a lot, with original wines, not too well known appellations. Our customers are curious, they are really interested in wines from outside the region. »The chef, Jérémy Santisteban, concocts appetizing platters of cold meats, cheeses or seafood such as fish rillettes, seaweed tartare or cod and sardine brandade, savory tarts and sandwiches of the moment, or even a hearty vegan plate.
The Vinotage team also offers many wine events. The oenological workshops on Saturday afternoon are organized around themes such as awakening the senses, Christmas pairings, service advice, the great grape varieties. “At harvest time,” explains Pauline, “it is possible to learn about winemaking. Raisins are brought back, an oenologist leads the workshop, then the wine is made on the barge and the participants come back to collect their bottles. We refuse the world… ”The food and wine pairing evenings are also full: chocolate and wine in the presence of a chocolatier, Savoyard evening, around the barbecue in summer, but at the beginning of the year, it’s the black truffle (the region is the leading producer) which will soon take center stage. It is necessary to add to this copious program a “champagne” weekend, concerts, and “wine-dating”: a tasting of five wines with supporting questionnaire which makes it possible to determine the oenological profile of each client and their client. propose wines which correspond to them. “It is a desire to have a very broad offer. With us, we can come from 6 pm for the aperitif and until midnight for the after… the last drink after the restaurant. On one also rums, gins, whiskeys, vodka, liqueurs, sake. We make cocktails based on sparkling wines. On a clientele of regulars, you have to surprise them. “Hourly : Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30 p.m. to midnight, and Monday to Saturday in July and August.
Vintage
Piot Island Road
Avignon (84)
www.vinotage-avignon.fr
04 65 81 16 55