In Vine We Trust

Van Gogh & Chateau

2010-05-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Thursday the 20th was committed to visiting the Chateau at Tarascon and the walk documenting Vincent Van Gogh's paintings during his residence in St Remy. Tarascon and St Remy are south and west of Avignon and the drive was very active - lots of cars on the road. We stopped in St Remy before the noon lunch hour (actually 2 to 2-1/2 hours for the French) to pickup the map of the Van Gogh walk, then on to Tarascon.

So, Provence...sun, lavender, grapes, cherries and LOTS of wind! The mistrals have been blowing us all over the place and this day I think was the worst. With Tarascon pressed up to the edge of the Rhone river, the winds scream their way down it and land right at the Chateau which sits on a rocky islet beside the Rhone. The winds were so strong they almost blew Helen over! I was leaning hard into the wind myself to keep upright, poor Helen didn't have a chance.

The Chateau was an amazing edifice. Built early on (11th century as I recall) it went through a variety of structural/fortification changes. But the current structure was started in the 1400's by Louis II which was ultimately completed by his sons. A huge place built for protection it's 3-4 stories tall with the roof actually constructed to be used as a terrace as well as a place to defend...apparently Louis liked to party. Louis by the way is pronounced like Louie.

One claims to fame of this chateau are the "privies". The king had the privies built in his and the queen's chambers which to allow the "waste" to drop to the river. The privy holes are still there and believe me you'd better be wide enough not to fall through given that their rooms were on the 3rd & 4th floors! In addition, they would have been a bit breezy we pondered if the mistrals were strong enough, might things been returned and fortunately for the queen her privy was not on the same side as her husband as here rooms were a floor below...ick!

The Chateau during the 18th century became a prison. On the walls in many areas are carvings made by those who found themselves incarcerated in the chateau. Even more interesting was that the carvings are not only in French, but Greek and Spanish. Indicating the wars or skirmishes that were occurring during it’s use.

After we were whisked back to our car with the help of the mistral, we headed back to St. Remy. I've been to St Remy a couple of times but had never visited the sanitarium in which Van Gogh resided. It was a lovely visit. Van Gogh’s room was quite small but the view out the window was lovely and he painted or sketched the scene often. Then we went on to the walk through the various locations where or near where VG painted some of his most memorable works. If you haven’t done the walk, it’s worth the time. While it is a hike from St Remy to the sanitarium, the walk back is easy and punctuated by the easels describing the pics that were painted there or near there. Handily they are in both French and English – yay! Another interesting observation on the walk and that is referenced on the easels is that the areas has changed quite a bit since the 19^th century when Van Gogh painted his works. The fields and field hands are missing and filled now with homes. Sad really, but it’s the same in all areas – city expansion vs agriculture.

Along the walk back we ran into the loveliest little Brittany spaniel. She was in her yard but just as friendly as can be. And since Paul & Helen own a Brittany, we’ve kept a special eye out for sightings of these French bred dogs. And she was a sweetie.

While we were in St Remy we found loads of German students visiting St Remy and we kept trying to avoid them – didn’t work. However, we did stop and have a citron pressé which I’d been wanting. Love those drinks – they bring you a glass with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a bottle of water and sugar from which you devise a lemonade as tart or as sweet as you wish…believe me…it starts out very tart no matter what you do and generally ends up sweeter than you want…but on a warm/hot Provencal day…oh there is nothing better...well, other than a glass of rosé bien sur. We also came upon Nostradamus’ house which we’d tried to find on a previous visit – got a pic confirming we’d found it and it was real. I know this will be a comfort to our friends Suzie & Kim!

When we got back to the car we found an accident being handled by the tallest French woman (policewoman) I’ve ever seen…easily a candidate for the WNBA! As for the accident, in typical French manner, the woman that had hit the parked RV plead her case to the Police woman, who took a look, shrugged her shoulders and everyone took off. Which will leave the poor owner of the RV wondering what might have happened…just cracked us all up, but also we were very glad it wasn’t our car!

Back to Apt to find where the Italian trottoria that we all love but especially Paul. And since he was leaving the next day, he got to choose dinner. Picked up cepes lasagna and some of the best breadsticks I’ve ever eaten.

Dinner

cepes lasasgne

White asparagus

Salad w/coeur de boeuf tomatoes

Bread sticks

Wine

2008 Chateau Husson Cotes-du-Rhone

2007 Domaine Charvin Cotes-du-Rhone

A Simple Meal

2010-05-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday the 19th (my Sister's birthday - happy b'day again Sis!) was a slower day. We hung out in Apt getting a little wash done (yes, undies). Paul, Helen and Betty headed for a walk around Apt to stretch their legs. I stayed to try to catch up on my travel journal (the handwritten one). While they were gone I hung out the wash to dry, dishes were done and rooms were tidied. They stopped at the Leclerc (a large grocery chain in France) and purchased provisions for the dinner we were hosting that evening for Jinny and Alexander.

I haven't really talked much about the foods we've eaten, but this dinner might give you an idea.

Appetizer:
Confit du porc, rice crackers & Nyons olives

Francois Chidaine Montlouis 2004 Les Tuffeaux

Dinner:
Lamb chops from M.Malavard boucherie
Tabouli
White Asparagus - chilled
Haricot Verte (small French green beans)
Green salad with special vinegrette

Domaine de la Pigeade Rhone Classique 2004

Cheese:
Chevre (goat) - two types Frais & Cremeaux
Cantal (a tomme style one aged 6mos the other 8 -10 mos)

Domaine Tour des chenes Lirac 2006 Les Chene

Dessert:
Pear and Citron Tarts
Domaine de la Pigeade Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2009

Lots of food and lots of wine...ah...no, we are not starving. (Don't worry Lynne we are walking - a lot!)

North to Nyons

2010-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

NOTE to one and all - apparently I was an idiot while packing and failed to bring the correct cables to download the pics from our cameras let alone to charge my phone...sigh. So, pictures will be forthcoming after our return home. Phone calls will also have to wait until I can get home and charge the device.

On Monday the 17th we took off north through Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras and Gigondas and, yes before you ask, I did taste pretty much everything anywhere it was open. However, given that I still had almost a case of wine from the Loire trip in 2004 sitting in Alexander's cave, new purchases other than those that will be consumed here, haven't been made. It was a beautiful drive - field after field of vines...some barely starting to have leaves and others with tiny baby grapes already showing.

One of the stops in Beaumes de Venise was at Domaine de la Pigeade. A lovely young woman was minding the cave and after our various attempts to massacre French, she revealed a very excellent skill in English with an American accent! Most of the French speak some English, but with British accents. She'd traveled the US for over 2 years. Bought three bottles of wine - red, rose and a muscat. Quite tasty...oh and also a bottle of their olive oil and balsamic vinegar which we've been enjoying too...our salads have been very happy with the addition.

On we went through Vacqueyras and Gigondas...wines so good you want to cry! And they cost half of what they do at home...so depressed that I can't bring more. The countryside between these areas are just filled with vineyards. The vines are old, big and twisted. The soil is not dark, but rather blushed with the ochres and limestone that one finds throughout Provence. The vines struggle for water although this year has been wet in Provence - everything is green and lush and I suspect the vines aren't working too hard yet. However, soon they will have to work for replenishment...the temps have begun to rise.

On the way north to our B&B outside Villedieu, we stopped at a few local wineries and wine cooperatives. Meh...so, so, but of course some was purchased. Majority of my wine purchases have been rose...ah, provencal rose...life is good.

Tried to check in at our B&B but nobody answered. So off to Villedieu to call them to find out when we could check in...not till around 4P so we had a lot of time to waste. Headed to Nyons to checkout the olives. Olives from Nyons are the "very best" and given our penchant for the little noir (black) and verte (green) goodies we had to try them. Tasted in a couple of places including their olive cooperative...bought a bunch as well as some olive oil to bring home.

Back to check in at Les Mas de Grateloup (the B&B). Very lovely place centered between Vaison les Romaines and Nyons. Built in the 17th century, it has been updated and the rooms are lovely, rustic but comfortable. If you are interested in the area and don't mind being in the country then this is a great place to use as a home base.

The next morning we headed to Vaison les Romaines for their market. I had thought that the Apt market was the largest I'd ever seen, but I think Vaison les Romaines may have it beat. Beautiful city - the largest collection of Roman ruins in any town in France. The market wound itself throughout it all. You couldn't turn without a new smell - roasting duck, chicken or quail - fresh fish stalls - honey - fresh melons - breads - croissants - and lots and lots and lots of white aparagus...my oh my. But while the food had my attention, there were other products available - clothes, kitchen equipment, shoes, provencal materials - you name it, it was there.

The rest of Tuesday was spent driving back to Apt. Stopped in Venasque a lovely town with incredible views over the surrounding valleys. As we headed home we ran into a winery that we'd discovered 11 years ago. While the grandmother wasn't there we enjoyed fractured discussions with the granddaughter who now seemed to run the tasting room. Chapelle St. Heyries will always hold a special place in our hearts and palates.

We did finally get to Apt and were met by Jinny who provided us with cepes lasagna, asparagus & ham lasagna as well as bread, olives and cheese. We encouraged her to join us and we happily consumed the wines from Chapelle St Heyries, the food and soon were heading to bed sated and happy.

Provence - better late than never

2010-05-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

Bonjour tous les monde!

I sit here in the middle of a Provencal town listening to cuckoos and pigeons, a dog barking, and the murmur of people preparing to return to school and work. The sun is beating down and the winds gently move the air bringing with it all the smells one hopes to find in this land - lavender, verveine, green growing things, flowers of all types, baking bread, food in preparation. My friends have left for a walk and I've finally a moment to catch up.

It's been a whirlwind five/six days. Flights were late, but time was made up in flights somehow such that all connections - plane and train - were met. Our seats on the train from Paris to Avignon were on the observation (second level) and it was amazing again to see and understand just what an agricultural country this is. Wheat, grains for making canola oils, orchards of olive, cherry and almonds, and of course grapevines all dotted the landscape as we traveled south. I was tired, but couldn't bring myself to fall asleep until the last hour or so of the ride because it was just too lovely to miss. But after so many hours without sleep, I finally succumbed.

We arrived in Avignon's TGV station, got our car and headed to Apt - known by the Romans as Apt Julia and in which part of the original Roman Road is still used. When we arrived at what we believed to be our home base we were greated by our hostess (Paul & Betty sister Jinny) who looked out the window, wished us a Bienvenue and told us not to unpack the car. After all we'd been through over the last 24 - 30 hours, another surprise was not something we were looking forward to finding. It seems she had been having work done on her apartment and, as is common with French workers, the work was not yet done and would not be until Tuesday...sigh. Now what we all wonder. However, she did have a plan, we all retired to her Frenchman's lovely home outside Apt. He was a designer of furniture in Paris and had retired to the countryside. His place was very nice, but we were completely cut off from everything - no phone, internet, nada. As you can imagine, this put a bit of a crimp in our ability to let family and friends know we'd arrived as well as arrived safely, let alone let me keep an eye on the business.

The stay at Alexander's was very pleasant and he was a fine host. However, he spoke no English and we, well speak very little French and what we do speak certainly wasn't good, but we tried. We ate and drank our fill every single day...cepes lasagna, canneloni, lamb targine, white asparagus, couscous, paella, quail, rhubarb yogurt, cheese, bread, olives, it's been gluttonous time...and fabulous.

We've been to two markets - the one in Apt and one in Vaison-les-Romaines. As expected I was transported with all the sights, sounds and smells. spices, cheeses, breads, strawberries, tomatoes, olives...oh my stars! Of course, I've bought the place out amazing how quickly money disappears even with the dollar strengthening against the Euro.

More to come as this is just was just the beginning. Lots has been done, but thought I'd better get this loaded as I'm being bombarded with "where's the blog update" queries. On the side bar I'll be listing the wines consumed by date for your drooling pleasure...my best to all. More to come I promise!

Vacation...Provence Here I Come

2010-05-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true - I'm finally getting/taking a vacation. Off to Provence for a couple of weeks. YAY!

I've always documented my travels over the years. Most of the time I have sent email updates to one and all. This year I'm going to reinvigorate this blog by using it to document the trip. In addition, it will provide a centralized location for people to read about my travels...or not. Some emails in the past turned out quite long and it made reading them time consuming for my erstwhile Travel Journal email group. We'll see how this works.

I will send an email to my Travel Journal folks to give them the link to this blog and let them know when new posts have been loaded. And I will post notifications on Facebook as well - that should cover pretty much everyone. I hope you will bookmark this location and come back and visit. Both to get updates on the trip and wine and food related things when I get back.

While the trip begins this Thursday, things have been hectic, due primarily to the Icelandic volcano. Many European flights have been impacted. The winds keep changing ... and they have all decided to head south - seriously impacting flights in and out of France and Spain. Of course, all subsequent reservations on connecting flights and the TGV are all at risk.

Dealing with getting current projects stabilized and the business settled for my absence has also been concerning. However, that always seems to be the case. Decided to bring the laptop with me to keep my comfort zone happy. Check in, make sure all is well, then off to eat great food and drink lovely wines.

I keep trying to not let everything worry me, but...well, sigh. Back to getting the business ready for my absence and time to start ironing clothes and the packing... updates will begin probably Saturday after the Farmer's Market in Apt (largest in Provence). Looking forward

The Catching up Blog and Extinction

2008-08-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know, it’s been two months since the last post. How many times do I have to hear about it??? The only excuse I can give is that it’s been very busy at work. I’ve also had a birthday and a trip to California and Southern Oregon (yes, there was wine which will be discussed in another blog entry soon).

The hard part now is what to cover. With two months of wine under my belt as well as tons of good food, friends and fun, etc, etc, etc, choosing which thing to write about is difficult. So, I’ve decided to run a series of releases to the blog, so get ready to keep up (that's a hint to sign up for the RSS feed - see the link on the left side of the blog).

There has been a significant amount of wine consumed over these two months and I have tried to keep the “wines consumed recently” relatively updated. However, the one wine that continues to make me smile and that I head to regularly is a QPR that is not only an easy, quaffable wine, but is also very interesting as it is all but extinct. The wine?

Bodega Campo Negro Finca El Reposo Saint Jeannet 2007

This wine is just as good as a QPR can be and has a great story to boot. First, as with any QPR, the price just is amazing for the quality of the wine, generally $8 almost everywhere (if you can find it as it's disappearing fast). What is very surprising is that it isn’t in the $15 - 20 range as it is definitely that good.

The wine is a lovely pale, but vibrant straw gold with a touch of green.The nose is pleasant – with hints of honey, pear, wet stones, with some grassiness – just for grins. On the palate – dry, crisp and refreshing – think tart pineapple with lemon zest scattered about and a bit of melon to soften the blow. As a fan of both Loire and Southern Rhone white varietals, it really hits as a cross between the grape varietals common to those two areas. A friend thought perhaps Sauvignon Blanc crossed with Marsanne and/or Roussanne and I must agree. The Saint Jeannet has a wonderful mouthfeel. Even though it only sees the inside of stainless tanks, it does go through full malolactic fermentation.

Now I also mentioned there was a story associated with this wine. The grape is extinct – or perhaps the better comment is that it was thought to be extinct. Now, how they can tell it is an extinct grape variety has me a bit confused – if it’s extinct, how can they know it’s no longer extinct as there’s nothing around really to affirm that it’s the same grape or not. Hummm, if a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound if no one is there to hear it…

Nevertheless, it is commonly accepted that this is the Saint Jeannet grape which seems to have had origin in Greece, and then passed through Italy and France, finally coming to land in the Mendoza Valley in Argentina. There are only 4 hectares (think 2.5 acres per hectare – yes, you have to do math). The vines are over 95 years old and produce very few grape clusters per vine. Accordingly, there is not much of this great, little wine available.

The producer Bodega Campo Negro named the vineyard “Finca El Reposo” or “Resting Vineyard” to reflect the antiquity of the vines. The vineyard is location in Cruz de Piedra in the Mendoza Valley just east of Lujan de Cuyo at an altitude of 3,214 feet above sea level. The soil is stoney and very poor which really can be seen in the character of the wine.

I just love this little wine. If you haven’t had it, go find a bottle, then sit down with some grilled shrimp or fried calamari and enjoy. If you have had it, go and enjoy it again while it lasts. As always...te souhaitant le meilleur de la vigne (wishing you the best of the vine).

Running the Rhone

2008-06-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

Without question the Rhone Valley produces my favorite wines. Wow, that says quite a bit since I love so many different wines and regions, but it is true. And of the Rhone, I love those southern Grenache driven wines. A local wine bar held a Rhone tasting and, of course, I signed up quickly. The wines tasted that night will be discussed a bit further on, but I thought a little information on the Rhone might be useful prior to diving into my notes.

First, a discussion of the Rhone Valley is useful. The Rhone is broken into two viticultural regions - Northern and Southern. The Northern Rhone includes a number of stunning appellations - Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, St. Joseph (one of my personal favs), Condrieu (think Viognier), Crozes-Hermitage, as well as a number of others.

What distinguishes the Northern Rhone from its Southern neighbor is the varietal used in red wine making - Syrah. While Syrah can be found in Southern Rhone wines, it plays a bit part rather than a leading one. Most reds from the Northern Rhone are almost entirely Syrah. However, having said that, Côte Rôtie is allowed to use up to about 20% Viognier (a white grape). Other grape varietals used in the North are also white - Marsanne and Rousanne.

The Southern Rhone appellations include - Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CDP), Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel (an AC for rosé only and they are so good), Lirac (across the Rhone from CDP), Côte du Rhone Villages (a whole slew of villages are entitled to this AC - one of my favorites is Rasteau), and, of course, Côte du Rhone (the basic AC).

Southern Rhone grape varietals include:
Red: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignan, Gamay
White: Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Muscat, Viognier

Grenache is not indigenous to France. It is believed by most experts to have its genesis in Spain where it is know as Garnacha. It can produce styles from dark and moody monsters with strong tannins to soft, lithe and spicy youngsters. Winemakers love using Grenache to produce fruity rosés as well. Some of my favority rosés are Grenache based (big surprise).

The Tasting

While most of the tasting dealt with the Rhone, the first two wines were from the Languedoc. Both were nice quaffers, but that's it:

2006 Marquis de Pennautier Blanc, Vin de Pays d'Oc: grapes - Buerre Blanc, Claret Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Rousanne; apricot/peach notes, long finish, light acidity.

2006 Marquis de Pennautier Cabardes: grapes - 80% Cabernet and 20% Grenache; from the western part of the Languedoc, grapes are grown 300 meters above sea level; leafy nose, tobacco; good with duck confit, cassoulet, in general rustic foods. Good BBQ wine.

The Rhone wines included six Southern Rhone wines a one Northern Rhone.

2005 Domaine de Beaurenard Côte du Rhone Villages - Rasteau: grapes - 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah; vineyard was terraced by horses - blue clay soil; cherry and red licorice (grenadine), pepper and lavender, strong tannins; good with beets.

2004 Le Clos de Caveau Vacqueyras, Carmin Brillant: grapes - Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault; hot region with cool winds over clay soil; red fruit over ancient river rock with a licorice back; can hold up to 10 years; organic certification in 2009.

2005 Domaine du Pequier Gigondas: grapes - 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mouvedre; very Gigondas style - spicy, strong, tannic; grapes have been growing in this AC for over 2000 years.

2005 Domaine de Galet des Pape Chateauneuf du Pape: grapes - 80% Grenache; young vine cuvèe - vines only 50 yrs old; nose - good stink - result of no de-stemming (pits and stems included in fermentation); palate - pepper, iodine, iron, green veggies; according to a couple of people "no better wine with steak"; the wine shows better and better with time in the glass - will hold 10 - 12 years.

2005 Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf du Pape: This family has been making wine since 1695; silky, soft nose - very gentile - a Cary Grant style wine; no new barrels; perfect with small birds - quail, etc.

2004 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf du Pape, Les Vieilles Vignes: grapes from the northern section of the AC - 90-95 yr old vines on 3 - 8 hectares; a very Burgundian nose which happens to many of these wines as they are just south of the Burgundian wine region; tobacco and plum jam. This was the hit of the night for me...stunning wine.

The last wine of the night was from the Northern Rhone and by definition (of Northern Rhone wines) was Syrah based.

2005 Jean Michel Gerin Côte Rôtie, Champin Le Seigneur: This is the oldest growing region - over 2400 years; two areas in Côte Brun provide vineyards soils and drive the complexity of this wine - mica shist and granite; grapes - Syrah 90%, Viognier 10%; nose - creamy berries, star gazer lilies - basically a Syrah palate with a light floral quality.

It was a terrific tasting...go find and try. As always...te souhaitant le meilleur de la vigne (wishing you the best of the vine).

New Wine List and Oregon Pinot Noir

2008-06-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Decided to start a list of wines consumed weekly. You will be able to see the list on the left side of the blog. These are not wines I've tasted, but rather bottles consumed (no not by myself - geez, I'm not that bad). Tastings will be discussed in normal posts. I've not included any tasting note with them, just provided the list. If I didn't like something about a wine I tried, it's not included. Keep in mind I include quaffers (just to drink) wines as well as those I spent time getting to know while I drank them. There will be inexpensive and not so inexpensive wines listed. But, you should find something enjoyable to taste from the list.

Oregon Pinot Noir

One of my adopted nephews asked after reading this blog what Oregon Pinot under $20 I'd suggest. Here's my dilemma in answering his question - he wanted a burgundian-style pinot. Oregon, sadly, has gone the way of most of the new world wines...too much. Too much fruit, too big, too, too much.

The joy of the Oregon Pinots of the '70's and '80's has devolved to reflect pinots from other new world areas. Why? Was it the success of the movie Sideways? Was it the influx of California moving to Oregon? Was it the increasing demand of the untrained palette of the American middle class? I really don't know. What I do know is that Oregon wines have changed.

I've been here many years and have had the opportunity to drink some stellar Pinots. I was young then and didn't really understand what it was I was enjoying, but enjoy them I did. And when the wine cellar began it's existence, it was with the intent to store only Oregon wines. But then they started to change, subtlely, slowly. I also began to find wines that suited my palate better - they came from France, Italy, Spain...well to be succinct - old world wines.

I like my Pinots to have that wonderful earthy, black fruit where the oak doesn't overwhelm and it continues to develop in the glass. I do like the Burgundian-style Pinots. Less and less wines are made in that style here. They talk as if they are moving in that direction and, to be fair, perhaps some of the younger winemakers are following in the traditonal style. But way too many are very dark, tannic fruit bombs that overwhelm the palate. They don't tickle and wait for you to ask for more...they don't make you work to find what they are about - they just happen.

In addition, Oregon Pinot has been following the lead of Napa by posting bottle costs at extraordinary amounts. Insane. So not only do they not reflect what Oregon is capable of producing, but they cost an incredible amount! What is up with that? Domaine Serene are you listening??

That said, I did suggest a few wines for him to consider - remember these are between $18 and $25. There are more expensive Pinots that I do like - Domaine Drouhin, Ken Wright Canary Hills, Cameron - but these are good values for the money. Have fun finding and trying one of them:

McKinley Willamette Valley
Cameron Dundee Hills
J. Christopher Willamette Valley
Grochau Cellars Willamette Valley

Pretty in Pink (wine that is...)

2008-06-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

While I never cared for the movie, pink wines are very high on my happy list. I love the spring and early summer releases of these "baby" reds. Yes, do not scoff! Rosé wines are the result of limited exposure to the skins of their grape. They can be Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc or any other red grape varietal or blends thereof. White wines, by definition, cannot produce a pink wine.

The fruit of a red wine grape is always white. It is only the contact with the skins that cause their colors to develop. So when you try a rosé (pink wine) remember you may be drinking some lovely Pinot Noir or Bordeaux blend...just in a little lighter format. :)

The Wines
In the recent past as well in the far past, I've enjoyed a number of pink wines. This post will discuss my absolute favorites and then those that, while they don't make the absolute list, I don't bypass them when they are available.

The Big Guy
Without question I think that Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé is the king of this type of wine. Now one can argue that certain years are better than others, but it generally is lovely year after year. The problem? Well, with the release of the 2007 at a price (on average) of $40 - 50 per 750ml, buying it in lieu of other wine becomes problematic. Especially, when more and more wineries are beginning to release rosés and good ones at that.

I was fortunate to acquire a couple of magnums of the 2005 within the last year. We opened one of them at a recent wine event. It went fast. Light salmon colored with a touch of copper thrown in, nose - strawberry and herbs with some rose for interest, palette - much the same as the nose with some melon to balance it out.

We've tried the 2006, but found it much harsher than the '05. Similar nose and color, but much more aggressive in the mouth almost to the point of being harsh.

Now I know you're going to ask about the 2007 since it was just released. You are wondering if I was willing to fork over the money for it this year. Well, the answer is, of course, yes. I bought two of them (but I did get a deal :) ). I haven't tried it yet because I believe that this particular rosé can use some time in the bottle. Remember the 2005 was drinking well and I suspect the '06 with another year will smooth out. So, while I probably won't be able to wait too long to try it and will post when it happens (with a friend here from France it may be really soon!).

2007 J. Christopher Cristo Irresisto

What can I say about Jay Somers continued success with rosé? His previous iterations have been made with Pinot Noir. I still have some of the 2006 in the cellar. It is the palest rosé I have seen. It is elegant - dry, mineral with the softest hint of strawberry.

However, this year, due to the rising cost of pinot noir grapes, he decided to see what alternatives were available. What he found were grapes from the Columbia Valley (Washington State) Syrah and Grenache to be precise. The resulting wine is lovely. Again, light in color, nose - spicy, rich and full of strawberry. The palette didn't disappoint either. While you could find the ever-present rosé strawberry, it seemed a bit more brusque - more raspberry tartness and some cherry to soften things up. Mineral, dry and very pleasant, this is one to find. Price point is very good too - between $10 and 15 per 750.

2007 Miguel Torres Sangre De Toro Rosé

Spanish rosés tend toward a firmer structure. I've enjoyed these wines for years. The are very easily priced from $8 - 12 per 750. I like a rosé that can stand up to some serious food (meats, grilled veggies, etc.) and this little wine not only stands up, but throws back!

The Tempranillo grape has a huge impact on the resulting rosés - there be tannins in this lovely so be prepared. Nose - lovely Mediterranean scents - spices, herbs with dark fruit, but on the palette those tannins pop as does the dark fruit - think blackcurrants.

If you believe that rosés are "sweet and wimpy", then head to the store and find this one or one of it brethren and then stand back.

There are more - many more rosés that need discussion. The 2007 Trust Cabernet Franc, any rosé from Tavel (France), and one not to miss this year - the NV Louis Perdrier Rosé. This bubbly is creamy and elegant and for around $10 to $15, is well worth locating.

As always...te souhaitant le meilleur de la vigne (wishing you the best of the vine).

The Beginning

2008-06-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Oh how many times have I thought about starting a blog only to think that there is never enough time to manage it properly? Well, the answer to that question is WAY too many times. However, here we are...a beginning. Now the question falls to what subject to begin the discussion and the answer seems to be...everything.

Without question, wine, food, travel, books, life, questions, and such will become the fodder for this blog, but how often and to what degree is still in flux. Initially, it will be the wines that draw my attention, but be prepared for a book review, a trip (both past and present), or ??.

Relating to wine, I know there are many more experienced wine geeks out there and I am not planning to compete with their expertise. This blog will let you know what I like and don't like as I taste through the world. And it certainly doesn't mean in any way that my palette matches yours, but it should provide you with some options to "investigate". In addition, because there are so many other blogs, websites, etc., relating to wine, I am not going to go over every attribute - nose, palette, color, etc. You can always find more info on the wines I mention on the web. I basically want to share what I've tasted, educate where I can, and just enjoy a moment of wine, travel, food, life...with you.

If you are interested in keeping up with my daily notes, check out my tweets on Twitter (http://twitter.com/tacdeb). I try to stay on those multiple times a day. Note that they cover just my daily activities - sometimes in detail, sometimes not, but it's fun to update as the day progresses.

The next post will hit on some wines I've tasted recently. I think I'll address some local (Portland, Oregon) wine spots to visit that will provide options to enhance your palette and understanding of wine. Although, that said, there are a couple that I really like to keep to myself :). In addition, if you read my posts, please note any places you believe have exceptional tastings or good selection of wines. That way we share globally and when traveling have locals to investigate.

I hope you find pleasure in the postings as they arrive...as I will have pleasure in putting them in the ether...te souhaitant le meilleur de la vigne (wishing you the best of the vine).