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This is the third year I've photographed the Fête de la Branda for Menton Daily Photo and so I won't do more than show this photograph of the process this time. (you can always look back to the beginning of October in previous years for more information.) Suffice to say the 'Branda' is the marc or eau de vie that is distilled from the twigs and grape skins after wine is made. It's very strong!
In the photo the alambic (still) is being emptied (see the steaming wheelbarrow) and the man on top is cleaning out the still, which is hot and hard work. Soon it will be filled with fresh grape skins and twigs and water of course and later we'll hear drip, drip, drip, as the 'fire water' drips into a plastic bucket.
Oh gosh, that looks like very hard work! The still looks fascinating though.
ReplyDeleteThis goes on here, too. Tis the season now!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing what different people and cultures do.
ReplyDeleteThe closest we can come to this is pressing apples to make apple cider and that's not even remotely close, I think. This photo makes me feel a little tipsy.
ReplyDeleteFirst still on wheels I've ever seen. Those old boys could make some good money back up in these hills.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, a very nice still...grape moonshine.
A wonderful photograph, memory of tradition
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I guess it is legal to make it there. My grandfather was sent to prison, more than once, for getting caught making white lightening from his stills in the mountains of West Virginia. That was a while back, as they say over here, but mom said the stuff looked crystal clear like water but one drink was enough to set you down hard anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking this is the French version of southern "Moonshine"! I love it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteV
My goodness, what a fascinating photo...looks like the picture could have been taken in the 1800s, except for the clothing.
ReplyDeleteOuh ! là! là! How to have red cheeks before beginning to drink ...
ReplyDeleteRegarding Abraham's comment, making your own is illegal in France too, except at certain times and in very special circumstances such as this one. You need a "bouilleur de cru" permit to do it.
ReplyDeleteDistilled? So it's not wine they're making; more like vodka, right?
ReplyDeleteI suppose they get a licence for it... My godfather in Haute Savoie used to do this in the mountains, well hidden. As far as I know, he was never caught. But then, the local commissaire de police got some bottles as well, as he was family.His gnole was something... not sure which word to use... let's say it was extremely strong. Still have some bottles there.
ReplyDeleteI did something like that when I was a kid. Beautiful portrait of people at pleasant work!
ReplyDeleteWow, Abe, in my comment I was referring to the mountains of West Virginia also. My Poppy had quite an operation going.
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