La Grand’vigne, Les Sources de Caudalie – Bordeaux
La Grand’vigne – The art of combining true gastronomy with excellent wines
Online Reservations | |
Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Martillac, France | |
+33 5 57 83 83 83 | |
www.sources-caudalie.com |
Chef: Nicolas Masse
La Grand’Vigne is the gastronomical restaurant of the beautiful domain ‘Les Sources de Caudalie’. It is located in Martillac, right in the heart of one of the world’s leading wine regions, Bordeaux. Off course wine is one of the main assets of Les Sources de Caudalie, which is obvious as the property is nestled between the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, one of the most famous wine domains in the world. A stay at Les Sources de Caudalie will not be complete without a visit to this great wine domain.
‘Les Sources de Caudalie’: The ‘source’ in the name derives from the natural source with spring water from a depth of over 540 metres, located on the domain. Caudalie, the world famous cosmetics brand, is the second source of origin. The brand was created when they started using certain elements of grape pips at the family-owned Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
The resort today also boasts a world-class Vinothérapie Spa. It combines a 1,500m2 spa area with several treatments based on vine and grape-based products. Definitely make sure to book ahead, as the spa is extremely popular. The hotel also features a separate massage bath and outdoor and indoor pools. The 15-metres pool is located in a magnificent glasshouse building with an impressive wooden frame, built out of timbers dating back to the eighteenth century.
The hotel has 40 rooms and 21 suites, of which six charming luxury cottages. All of the rooms are beautiful decorated with paintings, antiques, fine draperies, and warm-coloured fabrics.
Les Sources de Caudalie has three restaurants. At La Table du Lavoir, guests can enjoy authentic terroir food in a comfortable bistro setting. Rouge, combines a wine bar with tapas-like food and a little gourmet shop. The French Paradox Bar is located next to the wine cellar where 1,200 precious bottles are stored.
La Grand’Vigne is the gastronomic flagship of Les Sources de Caudalie. The restaurant’s interior is perfectly integrated into the style of the domain, where tranquillity and nature are off course very important. Spacious, round tables are combined with traditional French chairs and the big windows offer beautiful views on the surrounding lake and vineyards. Set in an eighteenth century glasshouse, with a fireplace from the same century, the restaurant is classic but sophisticated, light and relaxing at the same time. When weather permits, the small terrace in front of the restaurant opens and guests can enjoy their aperitif, coffee, or even the whole meal lakeside.
Executive kitchen chef Nicolas Masse leads a driven and passionate team. The chef gained experience at several restaurants in Europe, like The Landmark and the Kingston Lodge in London, and the Beaufort in Luxembourg. He returned to France in 2002 to work in the kitchen of the Rosenwoord restaurant at Grand Hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. In 2009 he started at La Grand’Vigne and quickly transformed the restaurant into one of the best of the region.
The chef maintains close relationships with local fishermen, gardeners and other producers, who ensure him the best of their produce. Masse has an eye for the very best seasonal ingredients and transforms them into delicate and traditional dishes. Balance is key in his preparations and the chef highlights the original flavour of each ingredient on the plate.
Aurélien Farouil is the head sommelier and manages the beautifully stocked cellar and the wine menu. When a restaurant is located amid some of the world’s best vineyards, it should come as no surprise that wines are extremely important in this restaurant. You can enjoy one of the great wine references from the cellar, or let the sommelier guide you with some pairings with the dishes. For real wine lovers, the ‘Sélection d’exception’ is the best choice. With wines like the Krug Grande Cuvée, Château Smith Haute Lafitte Blanc 2010, and the Château Lafite Rotschild 1998, you know the result will be unique. Pierre Couturier, the restaurant manager, leads the dining room in style and with professional discretion.
Our menu started with a glass 2012 Smith Haut Lafitte blanc. A wine made from the grapes of the parcel just in front of the restaurant. Intense citrus and white peach notes to start with a long finish in the mouth. Deliciously paired with the amuses to kick off an excellent dinner!
Oyster from Arcachon with cucumber mousse
Crispy & hot Squid ball with ink squid. One of the best appetizers ever tasted!
As a starter the chef served a juicy tartar of langoustines, covered with a layer of delicate caviar from Aquitaine, a cucumber jelly and finished with a sorbet of cucumber, ginger and yuzu.
Crispy egg with parsley on a spinach cream base and chicken stock.
Roasted sea bass with cantharelles, lardo di colonata, butternut and smoked emulsion.
Pigeon from Miss Le Guen was roasted on the bone and absolutely amazing. Served with the glazed pigeon leg, and artichoke filled with pigeon inner parts, jus of pigeon stock and cardamom.
Hazelnut cake, praline mousse, hazelnut & chocolate.
Chef He Nicolas Masse only uses the essential products necessary to create dishes that are pure, elegant, but full of flavour. He presents a balanced cuisine that is extremely tasteful. Together with a stay in one of the beautiful rooms of ‘Les Sources de Caudalie’, and a visit to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this really is a great example of an ultimate ‘wine & dine’ experience.
Be-Gusto score: 8,7/10
Be-Gusto value for money: 8,7/10
La Grand’Vigne
Les Sources De Caudalie
Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Martillac, France
Phone: +33 5 57 83 83 83
Pictures by Belgian Taste Buds