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Mon 11 Nov 2009An Irishman's Diary
JEAN COUTURE bends down in his vineyard and gently caresses his dew soaked malbec grapes. He cradles the fruit gently and lovingly in the palm of his hand. The plump black-skinned grapes ooze a sweet sticky juice at the slightest encouragement. They taste absolutely delicious, writes PETER MURTAGH.
It will be a good year, says Jean Couture, perhaps a very good year. Little rain and beaucoup de soleil. “Beaucoup de soleil!” he proclaims with emphasis lest we do not understand the significance of this crucial ingredient for the vigneron. That and the sugar content.
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