Wine

A CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE IN HONOR OF POPE FRANCIS

Since the arrival of Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. and his stirring address to Congress—rousing all but the most lackluster members of this elite audience—I have been riveted by his words to each of the disparate groups he would go on to meet. No matter what one’s political or religious beliefs may be, there seemed to be something for [...]

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food

As Summer Slips Away…

I suppose, in the end, the title of this post should have been, "As Summer Sips Away." We often think of rosés as "summer wines," and we rue the end of the long, hot, languorous days, and our sipping of that wonderful, pink, Provençal nectar. But, unlike putting away your white pants and shoes, you don't have to stop drinking rosé; it is a year-round wine. [...]

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE ROSÉS

It's been a long hot summer, at least where I've been hanging my hat. I was in Provence for the hottest July on record, returned to New England where heat and humidity dominated many summer days, ditto for my visits to New York--in August what else would I expect?-- and [...]

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food

A Perfect Picnic Pink

When I saw this bottle of Cloud Chaser at my local upscale market for $15.99, I immediately called my friends at the Provence WineZine to ask their opinion. I had never heard of it and, as it had an English name, I was a little suspicious. The folks at PWZ hadn't heard of it either, but did a little research for me on the spot and found great reviews. They also let me know the price I had here in Tucson was excellent. I bought, I sipped, I liked. (My version of Veni, Vidi, Vici.) [...]

CHEZ LES BRUN-CRAVERIS, VIGNERONS “BIO” CUEILLETTE DE… POMME AU JARDIN D’ÉDEN!

Dans un écrin d’authenticité, entre campagne et bord de mer, le domaine oéli-viticole “La Tourraque” est un joyau rare, et - grâce à la famille Brun-Craveris - ce qui pouvait arriver de mieux à ce site d’exception, à deux pas du Cap Taillat (l’endroit le plus naturel de toute la presqu’île - accès seulement à pied), et à quelques minutes du zoo de Saint-Tropez (on dit que sur le quai Suffren, il n’y a que deux genres d’animaux : ceux qui se pavanent, et [...]

Provençal Pairings: Wine with Food

Casual Elegance

I love arriving at a dinner party knowing that it isn’t going to be a “state affair.” I want to relax – from the apéros to the dessert – and none of it need be fancy, especially the food and wine. (N.B. I still want crystal, silver, and linen…) Today, I made a Crumble au Poulet – simple, elegant, and very tasty fare. To serve, I wanted something that would match the simplicity of the meal, and yet be sophisticated and complex. I also needed something to go with a bit of spice, as the crumble topping is laced with a sweet curry. I chose a 2013 Domaines les Fouques Cuvée de l’Aubigue, and was not disappointed. On the nose, I was greeted by honeysuckle and a dish of cinnamon. [...]

Musings of a Wine Maven

ON THE PASSING OF JOSEPH PHELPS (1927-2015)

In April of this year, the California wine industry lost Joseph Phelps. Vineyards bearing his name line the famed Silverado Trail that winds its way past many well regarded Napa Valley vineyards that, for the most part, did not exist when he opened in 1973. He leaves behind his son Bill to continue the family commitment to the creation of outstanding [...]

THINGS TO KNOW IN PROVENCE: WHAT IS L’APÉRO?

Recently, I told a group of people we are meeting in Provence that “It all begins Sunday evening with l’apéro,” prompting many of those people to sheepishly inquire exactly how Sunday evening would commence.

What is l’apéro?

It is a derivative of the Latin word [...]
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