Bandol – A Provençal Red for the Winter Table #Winophiles
French Winophiles Return to ProvenceOur French Winophiles group has virtually visited Provence on a couple of prior occasions (here and here), but we’re always happy to return. What’s not to love about the beautiful countryside, stellar weather, classic culture and delicious food? This month we’re back with an open invitation to explore any aspect of … Continue reading
Champagne Fleury – Biodynamic in Champagne Since 1989
Champagne’s Southern Section – the Côte des BarOur Champagne tour took us next to the southern reaches of the region, the Côte des Bar. The Côte des Bar is a 90 minute drive south from Reims and Epernay, it’s physically closer to the Chablis region than it is to the northern section of Champagne. While … Continue reading
Snowstorm Grilling with Troon Malbec
Grilling in a SnowstormIn Minnesota, grilling enthusiasts learn to brave the elements. Otherwise, the grill would only get used for a few months in our all-too-brief summer. Like many activities here, one just learns to be ready for the weather. Weighing a nice steak grilled over charcoal outside vs. in the oven broiler (yuch) was … Continue reading
Organic Challenges in Champagne at Moussé Fils
Our third visit in our sustainability focused tour of Champagne led us into the Marne River Valley to visit Champagne Moussé Fils in the village of Cuisles. At Moussé Fils, where we saw for ourselves the challenges involved with organic viticulture in Champagne. Disclosure: Comité Champagne sponsored our press visits for two days in the northern … Continue reading
Organic in Champagne at Vazart-Coquart
Champagne Vazart-Coquart & FilsAfter visiting one of the Grand Marque Houses, our next stop was with a small grower-producer. We met with Jean-Pierre Vazart of Champagne Vazart-Coquart in the Grand Cru Village of Chouilly, not far from Epernay. The family are long-time growers in Champagne, in the early 1950’s they decided to gear up for … Continue reading
A Classic House: Champagne Pommery
The Nineteenth Century, a Time of Change in ChampagneThe nineteenth century was a time of great change for the wine we know today as Champagne. At the beginning of the century Champagne was a sometimes sparkling, cloudy sweet dessert wine. Initially considered a fault, the English developed a taste for the tingly sensation of the … Continue reading
Touring Champagne with Sustainability in Mind
The Challenge of Growing Grapes in ChampagneThe Champagne region is located at the northern limit of where wine grapes will grow. The climate is classified as cool continental, which means grape growers in Champagne contend with a short growing season with frequent rain throughout the year. The weather brings threats of spring killing frost, hail, … Continue reading
How to Balance Quality vs. Price in Bordeaux Starting with Saint Émilion #Winophiles
French #Winophiles Writers Share How to Find Quality Affordable BordeauxThis month, our French #Winophiles writers are sharing their best advice for finding affordable Bordeaux wines for your holiday table. The very top Bordeaux wines are justifiably famous, but no one would ever describe them as affordable! How then to choose? Scroll down further in this … Continue reading
Add Some French Style to Dinner
Slow Down!We are recently back from a trip to France. One of our favorite differences in French life is the commitment to slowing down and enjoying a meal together. Restaurant meals are served in courses, even in cafés. Meals at home, especially on the weekend, represent an opportunity to take time and connect with your … Continue reading
Ron Rubin Winery – A Winery with a Heart: TRUE!
Ron Rubin Winery – More than Meets the EyeAt first glance, Ron Rubin Winery looks like many others in the Russian River Valley. Neat winery and visitor center, well manicured vines. A deeper look shows much more going on, I had the opportunity to visit and see for myself in May. (click on photos in … Continue reading
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