Vintage Sardines Lulu – 2023

Lulu 2023 Vintage Sardines, rounded and matured under the circus tent

The 2023 Lulu vintage sardines from La Perle des Dieux are sardines in extra virgin olive oil from the Vendée, caught at the end of the season and matured in the can. A vintage that has already become soft and rounded – with a tin that depicts Lulu as a circus performer.

Lulu 2023 vintage sardines are matured sardines in olive oil by La Perle des Dieux from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on the Vendée coast. Caught at the end of the season when the sardines had about 12% fat content, and confited in the tin ever since – it has been a good three years for the 2023 vintage, which has already developed significant roundness.

Soft, rounded, and beautifully mild

A good three years in the tin make the 2023 vintage a "fondant": the flesh is soft, the aroma mild and rounded.

The oil has already tenderized the fish; the sardine tastes gentle and balanced, with a fine salty note on the finish. And because its maturation journey is still long, it will become even smoother on the shelf year after year – patience pays off here in enjoyment.

For the aperitif with a glass of Crémant

On a cracker with a dollop of crème fraîche and a hint of lemon zest on top – that is how the sardine becomes a fine aperitif snack.

A cool Crémant de Loire or a light Gamay is the perfect accompaniment. It is also a treat served classically on buttered bread. You can find more ideas for your aperitif among our sardines in olive oil.

If you would like to let the vintage mature further: turn the tin every 6 months so that the oil covers the fish completely. Stored in a cool, dark place, the 2023 vintage will continue to mature for many years to come.

Art on every tin

La Perle des Dieux is arguably the most feminine cannery in the industry – founded in 2005 by Claudie Vardelle, who previously came from the Parisian fashion world.

Together with Philippe Gendreau, whose family has been canning fish for four generations, she focused on painters rather than fishermen and nets. Fresh from the catch, the sardines are cleaned and packed by hand within 48 hours. Two series define their reputation: Mademoiselle Perle by Delphine Cossais and Lulu by the painter Coralie Joulin, named after factory worker Lucienne, who had over forty years of service.

The 2023 motif is titled "Sous le chapiteau de Mlle Lulu," under Mademoiselle Lulu's big top, and shows Lulu in a pink suit as a circus artist under the striped canopy. Each vintage is a new number – making the La Perle des Dieux vintage sardines a collector's item. The sister series is available as Mademoiselle Perle.

Content 115 g – Drained weight 86.3 g