Elderflower cordial

le ‘must’ of springtime and a classic sauvignon blanc aroma

Sunday offered a dry’ish day to pick elderflower for cordial, a characteristic aroma in sauvignon blanc. So fresh and redolent of spring.

The dissolved raw organic cane sugar (for the cordial) made a swirling ram’s head image – the smell was intoxicating – a direct ticket to childhood – I grew up near a sugar mill and this molasses smell filled the air. The sugar didnt offer its provenance (non EU was all its said) – perhaps if we gave sugar cane the attention we give wine it would whisper its terroir.

When Ellie tasted the finished cordial she said it was her ticket back to childhood 🤩

RECIPE FOR ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

Ingredients

30 heads of elderflower
2kg granulated sugar, or caster sugar
1.2 litres water,
3 unwaxed Lemons,
80g citric acid
Method
1. Shake the elderflowers to expel any lingering insects, and then place in a large bowl.
2. Put the sugar into a pan with the water and bring up to the boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. While the sugar syrup is heating, pare the zest of the lemons off in wide strips and toss into the bowl with the elderflowers. Slice the lemons, discard the ends, and add the slices to the bowl. Pour over the boiling syrup, and then stir in the citric acid. Cover with a cloth and then leave at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Next day, strain the cordial through a sieve lined with muslin (or a new j-cloth rinsed out in boiling water), and pour into thoroughly cleaned glass or plastic bottles. Screw on the lids and pop into the cupboard ready to use.

Elderflower cordial can be drunk as a cordial but also added to alcoholic drinks or food for a touch of spring.

Bon dégustation! 🙂

#elderflower #cordial
#organicfarm #chateaufeely #organicholidays #childhoodmemories

I have to share one of my favourite spring photos so far – phacelia flowers over the semillon.

Happy Spring! Stay well! Stay home! With hugs from Saussignac 🙂

We have launched a new set of exciting virtual experiences – wine tastings, celebrations and courses that you can enjoy at home and an indepth Virtual Discovery Wine Course.

Order your Feely organic biodynamic wine online at our mixed case with eu shipping page or at the Feely wines online boutique where you can order by bottle then add shipping at the end.

We appreciate your support particularly at this critical time.

Come and learn more about wine with a visit to Chateau Feely in South West France ; stay or do a multi day course or multi day tour. You can read about the story of this organic vineyard, wine school and farm – the series includes three books by Caro Feely (order online with amazon via these links or from your local bookstore)

Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France (Caro Feely Book 1)

Saving Our Skins: Building a Vineyard Dream in France ( Caro Feely book 2 )

Glass Half Full: The Ups and Downs of Vineyard Life in France (Caro Feely Book 3)

Summersdale publishers have also made the 3 book series available as a kindle bundleCaro Feely (3 Book Series)

You can also order a case of organic wine including shipping in the EU. Join the mailing list to receive a seasonal newsletter, events, wine pairing, recipes and more info on this topic.