La Perle des Dieux’ 2023 vintage sardines feature the latest instalment in the producer’s much-loved Lulu artwork series; this year portraying Lulu as a whimsical circus trapeze artist in artwork by French illustrator Coralie Joulin.
Inside the beautiful collectible tin are carefully selected sardines caught during the peak season off the Atlantic coast of France, then traditionally hand-packed in extra virgin olive oil.
Designed for ageing, these millésimé sardines will continue to soften and develop complexity over time. Enjoy them now for a firmer texture and bright, fresh flavour; or cellar the tin for several years as the fish becomes richer, silkier and more integrated with the oil.
A favourite among conservas collectors and French sardine enthusiasts alike. Excellent served simply with crusty bread, butter, cornichons and a crisp glass of Champagne or Muscadet; though the tin itself is almost reason enough to add one to the shelf.
La Perle des Dieux is a renowned French sardine brand with a rich history dating back to 1887, rooted in the fishing port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on the Atlantic coast. Established by the Gendreau family, this fourth generation family run company has maintained a tradition of quality and craftsmanship, focusing on sustainably caught sardines, hand-packed in various gourmet sauces and oils.
Over the years, La Perle des Dieux has gained a reputation for its commitment to preserving both the artisanal methods of production and the marine environment. The brand also stands out for its artistic packaging, often featuring designs by local artists, making their sardines a blend of culinary and visual delight.
Every year, La Perle des Dieux rigorously selects sardines with a fat content of over 12%, achieved by waiting until mid-fishing season at the end of summer. As the summer warmth boosts plankton growth, sardines feeding on them increase their fat content, typically reaching the target between July and August.
Once the fish are unloaded at the port, they are promptly shipped to the cannery, where they are hand-sorted, cut, and canned. Preserved in extra virgin olive oil, these sardines improve with age.
