Vintage Sardines Lulu – 2017

Lulu 2017 Vintage Sardines, silky-aged in olive oil

The 2017 Lulu vintage sardines from La Perle des Dieux are sardines preserved in extra virgin olive oil, caught off the Vendée coast and aged in the tin year after year since they were caught. An aged vintage, not a quick everyday snack – and a small collector's item to boot.

Lulu 2017 vintage sardines are aged oil sardines from the La Perle des Dieux house in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on the French Atlantic coast. Caught at the end of the season when the fish had reached around 12% fat content, they have rested in their tin ever since – nine years for the 2017 vintage, and they have only become finer with each one.

So tender that a fork suffices

The French consider these mature vintages "d'Exception" – the sardines have become so tender that a fork is enough to break them apart.

While a young vintage is still firm and fresh, the 2017 is calm and round: silky in texture, mild in aroma, with a depth that only time can provide. The oil has united with the fish, and the two present a picture of intimate harmony.

On buttered bread with a splash of lemon

Simplicity is enough: a slice of hearty buttered bread, the sardine mashed on top, a splash of lemon, and the light meal is ready.

For an aperitif, pair it with a glass of dry Sauvignon or a cider from Brittany. It also works well in a warm potato salad. If you prefer things even more classic, you will find our entire range of sardines in olive oil here.

Important for aging in your own pantry: turn the tin about every 6 months so that the fish remains completely surrounded by oil. Stored in a cool, dark place, such a vintage will easily last over ten years.

Two artists and a feminine perspective on the tin

La Perle des Dieux is arguably the most feminine of all sardine canneries – founded in 2005 by Claudie Vardelle, formerly the manager of a Parisian fashion boutique.

Together with Philippe Gendreau, whose family has been canning fish for four generations, she decided against depicting nets and fishermen on the lids, opting instead for the artistic touch of young female painters. This led to two series: Mademoiselle Perle by Delphine Cossais and Lulu by Coralie Joulin, named after Lucienne, who worked in the cannery for over forty years.

The 2017 motif is titled "Le défilé de Lulu" (Lulu's Parade) and depicts Lulu in a corset as a mermaid, surrounded by fish. Each vintage features a new image – one more reason to collect the vintage sardines from La Perle des Dieux rather than just eating them. If you like the sister series, take a look at the Mademoiselle Perle.

Content 115 g – Drained weight 86.3 g