Les Mouettes d’Arvor is the house label of Conserverie Gonidec, a family-owned cannery operating in Concarneau since 1959. They are the last traditional cannery in the area, producing small-batch sardines, mackerel, tuna, and anchovies using time-honored techniques.
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PRODUCER: Les Mouettes d’Arvor (Conserverie Gonidec)
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ORIGIN: Concarneau, Brittany, France
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FISH VARIETY: European Sardine (Sardina pilchardus)
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PREPARATION: Line-caught in peak season (June–July), the sardines are hand-cleaned, fried, and packed in extra virgin olive oil.
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TEXTURE:
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Young: Firm, meaty, with a slight crunch
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Aged: Soft, tender, and silky with time
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FLAVOR PROFILE:
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Aromas: Olive oil, briny sea air, light toast
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Palate: Clean and savory with a natural richness that deepens as the fish ages in tin
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Finish: Subtle and lingering, with a roundness that builds over time
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PAIRINGS:
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Crisp, mineral-driven white wines (Muscadet, Chablis, Picpoul)
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Breton cider or a classic gin and tonic
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Radishes, cultured butter, or boiled potatoes
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
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Eat directly from the tin, or serve over toasted sourdough
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Pair with lemon, cracked pepper, or a quick shallot vinaigrette
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Store for aging—flip tin every 6 months for even oil absorption
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INGREDIENTS: Sardines (75%), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (25%), Salt
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CAUGHT IN: Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brittany (France)
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VINTAGE: 2022
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NOTES: Limited-edition tin. Improves with age—best enjoyed 1–5 years post-pack date.
Unaged or aged, this is a high-quality conserva built to last. Stock a few tins, forget them in your pantry, and revisit them over time.