Since this first days or this new year, winter is there in cognac region,  with its white mornings, frozen fields and vineyards,  frozen grass glittering in sun like today, in short, a “temps de saison” as we say in french. And an opportunity to take photos and share them.

Like an oasis among frozen fields. Imposant houses, called “Logis” protected by high walls, big porch, and old evergreeen trees,  are numerous  in our cognac region. People living here are rather discreet : show off is not their religion at all….

Too cold for me for early morning running :  -2,5°C.

Sun tries to cross the clouds. Winter time is the period of pruning. Winegrowers work  even if it’s frozen. Work still to be done here…

Do you remember the small Church of Eraville in  the post of last october ? Numerous roman churches nearby vineyards are integral part of cognac landscape.

Typical “Grande Champagne”  landscape : smooth hills, chalky soils. The eaux de vie coming from here give  fine cognacs, requiring long ageing in  oak casks to achieve full maturity.  The origin of the word “Champagne”,  comes from the latin word “campania” which means  open fields (opposite to woods and forests)

Young truffles trees, such as some green oaks, hazelnuts or linden trees, grow on thoses chalky slopes. A perfect soil for the trees and then for the truffles…

Like soldiers ready for the parade, poplars  on Charente banks.

Sun’s coming around 11 am, and quicly the white coat disappears for a while, till the next night.

In fact a quite bright winter day, and a excellent opportunity to wear  turtleneck knit, coat with large collar, boots, gloves. As  it’s impossible to take pictures with them, I have now frozen hands…

Time to come home near the fireplace, even if I am sure that our  cat “Philo”, is already on the best place and not really ready to leave it !