La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie
Martillac, France
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Not far from Bordeaux, this property is a little paradise nestled in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves grand cru classé winery. Nicolas Masse is the chef behind La Grand'Vigne, the hotel's fine dining restaurant. Masse strives tirelessly towards a single goal, which is to showcase the bountiful produce of Aquitaine (from caviar to Pyrenean lamb), including its vegetable cornucopia and its wines, especially those of Pessac Léognan. As legible as it is pure, his high-flying cuisine is dedicated to revealing the distinctive flavour of painstakingly selected produce from southwest France. Nothing is too good, whether it be the front-of-house service or the wine suggestions. A truly mind-blowing experience!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Unique / Unconventional Things About La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie
1. A Culinary Journey Inspired by the Vineyards and Local Terroir
La Grand'Vigne offers an exceptional gastronomic experience deeply connected to the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte and the Aquitaine terroir. The cuisine is crafted by Chef Nicolas Masse to reflect the rhythm of the seasons and local ingredients, often beginning with a harvest from the garden or visits to local producers, creating a sensory journey between land and sea, nature and culture.
2. Setting Beneath an 18th-Century Greenhouse-Inspired Glass Canopy
The restaurant is housed beneath an elegant glass canopy inspired by eighteenth-century greenhouses, which is an unconventional and visually striking architectural feature that enhances the dining atmosphere by blending natural light and vineyard views into the experience.
3. Extensive Wine Selection with 1200 References and Thoughtful Pairings
La Grand'Vigne boasts an impressive wine list with 1200 wine references, emphasizing the region's rich viticultural heritage. They offer curated wine and food pairings, including alcohol-free alternatives, making the wine experience accessible and tailored to diverse preferences.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, Martillac, reflect the terroir of Aquitaine and the vineyard surroundings, emphasizing freshness, seasonality, and local sourcing. Key ingredients include:
Organic Eggs: Sourced 100% organically from Les Sources de Caudalie's own supply, these eggs are central to signature dishes such as the renowned entrée "L’Oeuf en colère" (The Angry Egg), showcasing purity and quality.
Garden Vegetables and Herbs: Harvested directly from the restaurant's garden or local producers, these ingredients are used to create dishes like "Promenade au potager" (A walk through the garden), highlighting freshness and the natural flavors of the region.
Langoustine: Featured in refined preparations such as langoustine tartare, this seafood ingredient represents the connection to the nearby Atlantic coast and is treated with precision to enhance its delicate taste.
Aquitaine Terroir Products: The cuisine is deeply inspired by the local terroir, including biodynamically farmed produce from Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards, which influences the flavor profiles and seasonal menu offerings.
Wine and Vine Elements: With over 1200 wine references and a philosophy centered on the "Art of Vigne," elements derived from the vineyard environment, including possibly vine shoots or wine reductions, are integrated into dishes to create harmony between food and wine.
These ingredients are celebrated through modern yet timeless culinary techniques such as fermentation and taste concentration, aiming to respect and elevate each element's natural character in an emotionally charged gastronomic experience.