Le Ferme Auberge is part of the winery and vineyard complex operated by Les Clos de Paulilles, one of the more interesting locations to see wine grown and made in Southern France. With the vineyards jutting out close to the sea, a backdrop of the Collioure wine growing hillsides even a rainy day couldn't ruin a good meal and solid wines all for 39 Euros a person and all inclusive. In a word, the food and wine experience fantastic.
The starters were two different types of Tapenades, served with the 2011 Les Clos de Paulilles Colioure Rose. The Rose is Syrah and Grenache, and very much a fruit bomb versus the more drier style from Bandol or Tavel. This is followed by their 2011 Les Clos de Paulilles Collioure white wine, made from Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc tht had been nicely paired with the Piperade of Rascasse, rockfish, red peppers all in a lovely compote. Next up is their red wine, the 2009 Les Clos de Paulilles Collioure Rouge which is made from 80 percent Mourvedre and 20 percent Syrah. I really enjoyed the pairing with the lemon sauce roasted chicken dish right from their farm as the whole preparation actually reminded me of the chicken dishes served at Ferme Gaston in old Lyon.
The meal, which was perfectly served by the female manager was rounded out by two of their Vin De Natural Banyuls, both which are made from Grenache in slightly different way. The younger Banyuls was paired with blue cheese and a home made cake, followed by chocolate on chocolate and the slightly longer aged in barrel 2009 Cap Bear Banyuls which was a perfect pairing, that was so good I attempted to buy a bottle, but the manager wouldn't let me. She insisted on gifting it to me. Having looked at the weather earlier in the day I contemplated canceling lunch, but in the end I was very happy that I decided to keep my reservation. Solid wines. Solid service and a great value…with very good farm to table cooking that others try to emulate and never quite.