September

September already? On the last day of August in Seattle, we had steady rain and the temperature didn't even reach 60.

This month, the Duc du Berry's Book of Hours calendar shows the medieval Château de Saumur. On the Zodiac above, Virgo (the Virgin) is left behind and Libra (the Scales) now leads the way as the sun chariot heads into autumn.

Time to make wine. The scene for September shows a peasant grape harvest in front of the castle. The famous Loire Valley wine has been aged in chalky caves above the river for hundreds of years. Here's a quote from a French wine guide:

White wines from Saumur are "nervous" and can age a few years in a cellar.

Above is a recent photograph of the Chateau, still surrounded with vines. The French don't waste one bit of good terroir.
The great Chateau is a famous tourist destination, and looks over the beautiful Loire valley.

Saumur is also known for its annual horse shows, and it's home to the Cadre Noir, the French National School of Horsemanship. Here's a rider showing off right in front of the Chateau.
(Sizzle is not allowed to do this.)