As I write this (20th September 07), the charming seaside resort of Calvi in northwest Corsica is preparing to welcome an important visitor – France’s Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
After a bit of pressing the flesh in the city’s streets and a visit to the town hall, he will take what our local newspaper Corse Matin describes as a “rustic lunch” at one of my favourite vineyards, Clos Landry. Here, he will discuss – with the great and good of Corsica’s agriculture industry – the twin problems of debt and drought. No doubt the island’s olive farmers will be pressing their case for special treatment; it seems that the weather has been so dry that many olive trees have gone to sleep for three summers running instead of fruiting alternate years.
I hope the vineyard’s owner has stashed away a few bottles of their delicious rosé gris for the occasion. I’d like to think that M. Fillon had sampled a glass or two. When we went there to purchase a few bottles earlier in the week, we were told that stocks had run out.
Apologies, once again, that this entry is a day or two late. Our telephone line and therefore our internet access has still not been fixed, but I live in hope – France Telecom have said they will visit us to try and sort out the problem tomorrow.
# posted by Derekthered @ 2:19 PM
