VINTAGE SARDINES

MILLESIMÉ

THE UNIQUE AND RARE FISH WITH GLORIOUS TASTE

  • MILLESIME CLASSIC

    Charles Rodel discovered that sardines reach their absolute peak for just 10 to 14 days each year. It’s a fleeting moment—one that demands immediate action. The fish must be caught and processed within a single day, then left to rest and mature in marinade for at least four months. This is how the world’s most flavorful sardines are born—impossible to imitate, and possible to produce only in the smallest, most limited batches.

  • MILLESIME BONELESS

    Created especially for Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, Rodel sardines were born from royal concern. The palace feared guests might encounter bones during a state dinner.

    Their request inspired a delicacy: sardines expertly deboned by hand. It’s a matter of precision, patience, and true craftsmanship - tiny bones, fine knives, and no room for error.

  • CHICA PICA

    At a private dinner at Rodel’s house, a family friend, the Venezuelan ambassador—spoke of a mystical spice from his homeland: Chica Pica. Meaning Wild Girl, it's a fiery, bold blend with a wild, unforgettable taste.

    Rodel used this secret mix to create his signature sardines, guarding the Chica Pica recipe.for over a century.

  • CITRONE

    Fish and lemon are bound together by tradition—and by taste. When infused in fine olive oil, lemon brings a subtle, refreshing brightness that perfectly complements the richness of our sardines. It’s a classic combination, elevated to something extraordinary.

  • THE ICONIC RODEL COD LIVER

    No original RODEL collection would be complete without its famous cod liver—so exceptional, it’s been known to cause obsession. Rich, delicate, and irresistibly smooth, this gourmet delicacy stands in a class of its own.

  • COMING SOON – NEW FROM RODEL

    We’re crafting something extraordinary. A new Rodel creation is on the horizon—developed with care, judged by experts, and held to the same uncompromising standards as every product we make. It’s not just new. It’s the next chapter in the Rodel legacy.

  • A TASTE OF BRITTANY IN EVERY TIN

    Each of our tins carries a piece of Brittany—its pride, its hard work, its deep respect for nature, and its love for community and tradition. The can is made in France, the fish caught just 12 miles from the coast, and every step is done by hand with artisanal care. The result? A small masterpiece of craftsmanship and flavor you can truly taste.

We use only genuine Atlantic sardines, SARDINA PILCHARDE caught at their peak as they pass along the coast of Brittany during their journey through the Atlantic.

We use only genuine Atlantic sardines, SARDINA PILCHARDE caught at their peak as they pass along the coast of Brittany during their journey through the Atlantic.

We work only with local fishermen who use the traditional seine method - a gentle way of fishing with nets that protects other sea life and follows all rules for sustainable fishing.

We work only with local fishermen who use the traditional seine method - a gentle way of fishing with nets that protects other sea life and follows all rules for sustainable fishing.

The sardines arrive chilled and fresh at the harbor early in the morning.

The sardines arrive chilled and fresh at the harbor early in the morning.

Each fish must be taken individually and carefully cleaned by hand with a knife: the innards removed, fins trimmed, and for our BONELESS edition, even the bones are taken out by hand.

Each fish must be taken individually and carefully cleaned by hand with a knife: the innards removed, fins trimmed, and for our BONELESS edition, even the bones are taken out by hand.

Each sardine is briefly dipped into boiling oil for a few seconds, sealing the surface so the marinade can work its magic from within. It’s a technique honed over generations, impossible to rush and impossible to fake.

Each sardine is briefly dipped into boiling oil for a few seconds, sealing the surface so the marinade can work its magic from within. It’s a technique honed over generations, impossible to rush and impossible to fake.

Each can is packed by hand with care, laid gently side by side, then topped with the finest olive oil or a carefully crafted marinade. Add time and the result is nothing short of brilliant.

Each can is packed by hand with care, laid gently side by side, then topped with the finest olive oil or a carefully crafted marinade. Add time and the result is nothing short of brilliant.