“As soon as you step onboard, you’re in France“. As the lift disembarks you at the top floor of the Hyde club, you’re greeted by a sharp presentation of Cidre at the bar. Sumptuous cheesy canapés float by, borne by proud, crisp staff. Squint and you’re in France indeed.
All the offerings tonight are Breton, from Brittany in the North-West of France. The cider is richer and stronger, with tart flavours compared with common Irish or British tap ciders, with apologies to Clonmel, it’s fantastic.
Our guide for the evening is the irrepressible food and drink writer and personality, Leslie Williams. He lead us in a tasting of Breton Wines and Whiskeys, while dispensing sage insider travel guidance for the area. A regular traveler on the Irish-Continental routes, he credibly assures us that the food and drink can’t be matched.
The Breton region would be historically less associated with wine overseas, with farming conditions similar to Southern England. With changing climate patterns, the conditions to support top quality vineyards have improved.
The Chardonnay was easily the finest I’ve tasted, and we sampled a refreshing Rose by Dantelezh and a rich, succulent merlot from Les Longues Vignes. All confidently top class, of course. Then onto the Whiskeys, in flavour somewhere between Scotch and Irish, the peaty Yeunelez single malt, and the Armorik reminiscing our own Powers Gold.
The Brittany region is Celtic, with ancient connections dating from the Bronze age across the sea. Today’s Brittany Ferries routes mirror those trade routes between the South of Ireland and Britain, Northern Spain, and North-Western France. It’s evident in the culture with regular Celtic music and dance festivals, and even down to the style of butter.
Our evening at the Hyde was a small, enticing sample of what’s on offer. We can’t wait to take a trip on Brittany ferries and sample the full selection.