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Although I love to sip rosé throughout the year, mild spring weather and flowers blooming makes it all the more enticing!  Photo courtesy of Maison M. Chapoutier. The Chapoutier family is no stranger to producing rosés and many other wine styles. This iconic winery is located in the picturesque Rhône wine region in southeastern France. Michel Chapoutier is a seventh-generation oenologist and head of Maison M. Chapoutier, founded in 1808. Michel is one of Rhône’s most famous wine producers and is known worldwide for such wines as Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, and Côte Rôtie.  Michel Chapoutier Photo courtesy of Maison M. Chapoutier. Michel's daughter, Mathilde, is also making a name for herself as an eighth-generation oenologist in the company.  Mathilde Chapoutier Photo courtesy of Maison M. Chapoutier. I recently had the pleasure of sampling their newly released 2023 rosés from Côtes du Rhône and Provence.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé Côtes du Rhône AOP 2023 Belleruche means “beautiful beehive” in French and is named for the bees and hives that are part of the sustainable vineyards. Grapes for this blend are Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. The wine is aged in stainless steel vats for three to six months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberry, white peach, and flinty minerality. Palate: Aromas flow onto the palate with apricot, melon, and zingy acidity. Perfection! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $18 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with fish, shellfish, summer salads, crab quiche, or grilled white meat. Mathilde Chapoutier Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AURISSO AOP 2023 The symbol on Mathilde’s labels is a beautiful compass rose, symbolizing the various wine regions she explored worldwide and her quest beyond the Rhóne Valley region. This wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle. Grapes are harvested from vineyards located east of Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire and Aurélien mountains in the commune of Pourcieux. The wine is aged for five months in stainless steel vats before bottling.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral notes, red berries, and a touch of cherry. Palate: Fresh and crisp, with juicy red berries and a hint of strawberry and minerality lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Great as an aperitif or with any fish or shellfish, grilled scallops, vegetable risotto, or light cheese board. Mathilde Chapoutier Côtes de Provence ORSURO AOP 2023 This wine is an interesting blend of mostly Grenache Noir, with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Clairette, and Rolle. The vineyards are located east of Aix-eProvence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire and Aurélien mountains. Aging takes place in stainless steel vats for five months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Light floral, citrus, and red berries. Palate: Strawberry, juicy peach, pink grapefruit, and subtle herbal notes. This is a lively and refreshing wine. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy on its own or with pasta salad, fish, shellfish, grilled white meat, or sushi. It is interesting to note that M Chapoutier’s wine labels are printed in Braille. It is Michel’s way of paying homage to Maurice de la Sizeranne (1857-1924), who lost his sight at age nine. Maurice was one of France’s most noted philanthropists who founded the Revue du Braille, perfecting the system of abbreviated Braille. Maurice and his family owned a small plot of land in the famous Hermitage appellation, where Chapoutier bought some prime Hermitage vineyards. He sources the grapes from here for one of his most renowned wines, Monier de la Sizeranne. The wine honors the de la Sizeranne family with a special nod to Maurice. M Chapoutier has been practicing biodynamic viticulture since 1990. All herbicides and chemical pesticides are prohibited, and the vineyards are sustained using only organic matter. Michel believes only healthy vines growing within a balanced ecosystem can make great wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Bastille Day is celebrated in France every year on July 14th and in many French-speaking regions worldwide, including the USA. The French also refer to this day as “Le Quatorze Juillet” (the 14th of July) or “La Fête Nationale” (The National Day.)  Image courtesy of National Geographic On July 14th, 1789. a group of revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison in Paris marking the start of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a symbol of the tyrannical rule of the Bourbon monarchy. Without going into a detailed history lesson, suffice it to say King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were overthrown, ending the “Ancien Régime.” The Bastille prison was torn down by the order of France’s new revolutionary government, with the last stone removed in 1790. And we all know the fate of Marie Antoinette.  Image courtesy of National Endowment for the Humanities Although it was a violent time, Bastille Day is a celebration in France with parades, fireworks, food, wine, and dancing. And even though I never need a reason to pour a glass of wine, it’s a perfect time to open a bottle and toast Bastille Day! So, I’m celebrating with French rosé and sharing my favorite crab quiche recipe from Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Fleur De Mer Côtes de Provence Rosé 2022 This rosé is from the Côtes de Provence, the largest appellation in Provence, located in southeastern France. The name of this wine means “flower of the sea,” paying homage to the lavender fields that blanket the landscape of Provence and thrive in the warm sun and fresh, crisp seaside air. Winemaker Florian Lacroux selected Cinsault, Grenache, and Carignan to form the core of this blend, supported by other Provençal grapes in a beautifully blended and layered rosé.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely floral aromas with hints of lavender, subtle red berries, white stone fruit, herbs, and minerality. Palate: White peach, raspberry, strawberry, melon, vibrant acidity, minerality, and a touch of salinity, with a dash of citrus zest on the finish. Fresh, lively, and playful! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $22 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with crab quiche, grilled seafood, veggie salads, or roasted chicken. Crab Quiche Recipe  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I began making this quiche in the early 1980s, and it always brings a smile and a contented sigh to those who eat it. I always use fresh lump crabmeat for this recipe and allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing. Please forgive the stained pages, as I tend to occasionally splatter when cooking! I’m sure that Julia would have appreciated how well-worn this book is!  From the pages of “Mastering The Art of French Cooking.” Whether you’re celebrating Bastille Day or life in general, enjoy it with a glass of rosé and crab quiche! Your palate will thank me! Joyeux jour de la bastille!  Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Daylight savings has begun, and spring is just around the corner!  Fuedo Arancio vineyard in April. (Sicily) Photo credit: Penny Weiss As a rule, my mood dictates what wine to open, not the weather. And as I’ve mentioned many times in articles I’ve written, I’m not a “seasonal” wine drinker. I enjoy red, white, and rosé all year round. But of late, I’ve been looking forward to sitting outside amongst the budding trees, being serenaded by the birds, enjoying the scent of blooming lilacs, watching the sunset, and sipping a white or rosé wine! Pure bliss!  Photo credit: Joel Holland And as much as I love all the seasons, I have a soft spot for spring because it is the season of renewal. And as Gustav Mahler, the composer, said, “Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again!” So without further ado, here are three white and three rosé wines to kick off the spring season and to enjoy while embracing the longer days and Mother Nature’s gift of renewal. Hat Strap Chardonnay, Los Carneros AVA 2021 This California wine is produced by Cline Family Cellars, established in 1982, a family-owned and operated winery. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from the Cline family’s J. Poppe sustainably farmed vineyard, the oldest Sonoma vineyard on the winery’s estate. Grapes are fermented in a mixture of stainless tanks and French oak barrels. The wine is aged for ten months in 35% new French oak barrels, 35% in neutral barrels, and the rest in stainless.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Sweet apples, white stone fruit, tropical notes, and a hint of lemon. Palate: Juicy peach, pineapple, a hint of herbs and spice with a creamy mouthfeel, and lively acidity balanced with a savory finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25.00 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with salads, light pasta, grilled seafood, or roasted chicken and veggies. Herdade Do Esporão Monte Velho Rosé 2021 Herdade Do Esporão, whose history dates back over 750 years, has vineyards located in the Alentejo wine region in the southern half of Portugal. Monte Velho means “old mound.” and refers to a high point on Herdade Do Esporão estate capped by the ancient square fortress depicted on the label. Blending is a significant part of wine production in Alentejo, and this rosé is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Tinta Caiada, Syrah, Trincadeira, and Arinto, a white grape. The wine is certified vegan by the European Vegetarian Union.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, and pomegranate. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. This wine is fresh and lively and is an easy sipper to enjoy while watching the sunset! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $12 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with charcuterie or light fare. Mandrarossa Grillo Sicilia DOC 2021 Mandrarossa is a brand created by Cantine Settesoli, located in Menfi, Sicily, on the island’s southwestern side. Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958, and it is the largest winery in Sicily and a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand, which emerged in 1999. This wine is 100% Grillo, a grape well-suited to Sicily’s hot, dry climate. It is a light and easy-drinking wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, stone fruit, lemon zest, herbs, and pear. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with citrus, vibrant acidity, salinity, and minerality. Alcohol: 13% SRP: 15 Euros (may not be available in the US) Pairing suggestions: Fresh ricotta, grilled veggies, seafood pasta, and grilled swordfish. Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Superiore Rosato DOC 2021 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole, a family-owned winery, was founded in 1981. They have 350 hectares of vineyards located in all four provinces of Abruzzo, Italy. They are committed to sustainability in the vineyards as well as the winery. This rosé is 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, with grapes sourced from a single vineyard of five hectares.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Intense aromas of floral, red berries, cherry, and a hint of citrus. Palate: A juicy and dry wine with strawberry, raspberry, vibrant acidity, a creamy mouthfeel, a touch of herbs, a hint of pomegranate, and a long finish. I love this wine! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $21 Pairing suggestions: Serve as an aperitif, or pair with fish, risotto, fowl, veggie pasta, or seared tuna. CRIOS Torrontés 2021 Susana Balbo is the founder and owner of Susana Balbo Wines, located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, in western Argentina, close to the Andes Mountains. Susana produces four brands of wine that include CRIOS. The CRIOS brand was created as a tribute to her son and daughter. CRIOS in Spanish means “offspring.” It is 100% Torrontés and hand-harvested from vineyards in Cafayete (Salta) and Uco Valley (Mendoza) regions at an elevation of 5,600 ft.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, pear, citrus, and white stone fruit. Palate: Fresh and lively with green apple, citrus, pear, crisp acidity, and minerality. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with light pasta, seafood, salads, or Asian cuisine. Château D’Esclans Rosé Côtes de Provence 2020 Château d’Esclans is located in the heart of Provence, France. Sacha Lichine purchased this magical estate in 2006 with a determination to create the greatest rosés in the world. The Cháteau d’Esclans is the estate wine made with Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino), sourced from the estate’s vineyard. Vinification takes place in both stainless steel and barrels, adding to the wine’s freshness and complexity.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberry, vanilla, and hints of stone fruit. Palate: Smooth, creamy, rich, and fresh, with berry, pear, minerality, sweet spice, and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $60 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with charcuterie, salads, grilled veggies, quiche, goat cheese, smoked salmon, or sushi. Winter or spring? I am more than ready to step into the photo on the right! Photo credits: Penny Weiss Happy sipping!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com We all know that packaging is important when trying to get the attention of consumers. Many wineries today have gotten creative and reached beyond the generic label and shape of the bottle, in the hopes of arousing our interest. Let’s be honest, we’ve all at some point bought at least one pretty bottle of wine even though we might not have been familiar with the producer or grape. And wineries are not the only ones trying to get our attention. A multitude of producers in the spirits industry began decades ago selling their products in beautifully designed bottles. And, quite a few of these bottles have become collectibles. I admit that even I have saved several liqueur bottles and unusual vodka bottles. Winemakers in the Provence wine region have been playing with the shape of bottles for decades. In fact, some of the most striking bottles of rosé come from Provence. Situated in the far southeastern corner of France, Provence is known worldwide for its production of rosé and its breathtaking fields of lavender.  Photo courtesy of Wines of Provence Occupying approximately 125 miles of coastline, the vineyards here enjoy a Mediterranean climate. There are very few AOC appellations in Provence with the largest being Côtes de Provence, which accounts for the majority of Provence’s rosé wine production. To quote Wines of Provence, “The Côtes de Provence appellation spans more than 20,000 hectares (nearly 50,000 acres) and three departments: the Var, the Bouches-du-Rhône and one village in the Alpes-Maritimes, for a total of 84 communes.”  I recently received three eye-catching and very palate-pleasing bottles of wine from Provence. Their shapes and design are worthy of upcycling!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Terre de Mistral Rosalie AOP 2019 The grapes for this wine were harvested from Côtes de Provence in the sub-appellation of Sainte Victoire. It is a blend of 35% Syrah, 50% Grenache and 15% Rolle aka (Vermentino)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The color is soft salmon with enticing aromas of floral, peach, strawberry, apricot and a hint of citrus. A palate of white stone fruit with hints of minerality, strawberry and lemon are well balanced with vibrant acidity and a lingering finish. Enjoy this dry wine as an aperitif or with grilled fish, poultry and light pasta. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14 Château Gassier Esprit Gassier AOP 2019 The grapes for this wine were harvested from Côtes de Provence in the sub-appellation of Sainte Victoire. It is a blend of 40% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 12% Cinsault, 6% Semillon and 5% Rolle. There is also a minimal blend of Cabernet, Carignan, Tibouren, Mourvèdre and Clariette. This beautiful label was designed by a local artist and is silk-screened onto the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine has a pinkish-salmon color with aromas of floral, berries, peach and citrus. Crisp acidity along with strawberry, white fruit, lemon and a touch of minerality sate the palate. Citrus zest and a trace of spice linger on the finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, chicken and light pasta. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $18 Château Des Ferrages Mon plaisir AOP 2019 The grapes for this wine were sourced from the villages of Pourcieux and Pourrières at the feet of Mount Aurélien and Mount Sainte-Victoire. The blend is Grenache, Syrah and Rolle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lovely aromas of floral, berries, fresh peach, grapefruit and citrus make their way onto the palate with vibrant acidity and luscious notes of strawberry and citrus zest on the finish. Serve as an aperitif or enjoy with grilled fish, seafood, chicken and light pasta. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Many of us collect empty wine bottles that are rare or represent a significant moment in our lives. But what about the bottles that are too pretty to throw out? Rather than storing them in a closet, get creative and upcycle these bottles into your everyday life. One suggestion from Andrew and Dennis of the Crafty Lumberjacks.com is to make a fragrant wine bottle diffuser. Here are a few more ideas, some of which I have used for repurposing wine bottles. Transform the bottle by using it as a vase, olive oil container, candle holder, a wine bottle lamp, or use as bookends. Another fun idea is to add a pour spout to the bottle and make it into a soap dispenser! Use your imagination and have fun upcycling wine bottles! And of course, enjoy the wine!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Although I never need an excuse to open a bottle of wine, celebrating Bastille Day with a French rosé is a must! Okay, so I’ve jumped the gun and started the celebration a few days early!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bastille Day is celebrated every year on July 14th. The French call it “Le Quatorze Juillet” or “La Fête Nationale.” In addition to France, many French-speaking regions around the world celebrate this day, including the USA. It is celebrated with parades, fireworks, French food, wine and dancing. Here is a very brief account as to why Bastille Day is such a significant day for France. On July 14th, 1789 a group of revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison marking the start of the French Revolution.  The Bastille was a symbol of the tyrannical rule of the Bourbon monarchy. King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were overthrown, ending the “Ancien Régime”. By the order of France’s new revolutionary government, the Bastille prison was torn down with the last stone being removed in 1790. And we all know the fate of Marie Antoinette. My “early” celebration began with a rosé from the Côtes de Provence, the largest appellation in Provence, located in southeastern France. The Commanderie De Peyrassol is situated in the Var amid the foothills of the Massif des Maures.  Commanderie De Peyrassol was founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. The first recorded harvest was in 1256! This domaine has a long and rich history that reads like a novel and is worth perusing on their website. https://www.peyrassol.com The current owner is Philippe Austry who purchased the property in 2001 and lovingly restored and renovated it with the help of his nephew Alban Cacaret, who manages the domaine. The domaine is comprised of 950 hectares of which 93 hectares are under vines. More than ten grape varieties are grown here. The climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters and the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone, with heavy gravel content.  Photo credit: Peyrassol Cuvée de la Commanderie Rosé 2018 A.O.P. Côtes de Provence is a beautiful blend of 45% Cinsault, 29% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 6% Rolle, 5% Mourvèdre, Cabernet and Carignan. This wine has a soft peach color with aromas of red berries, salinity and floral. The palate offers strawberry, raspberry, light citrus, salinity and crisp acidity. This is a dry and complex wine that displays elegance and freshness with savory taking the lead over fruit. Serve as an aperitif or pair with seafood, grilled fish, appetizers and light pasta. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $20  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Whether you’re celebrating, July 4th, Bastille Day or life in general, enjoy it with a glass of this rosé. You’ll thank me for it! Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It’s that time of year again for hearts, flowers and everything pink! Yes, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  So, to get in the spirit of the holiday and in keeping with the pink theme, I opened up a bottle of rosé from the south of France.  Provence is no stranger to winemaking, and most winemakers from this region would agree that Côtes de Provence, the largest appellation here, is the heart of rosé wine production that also makes the vast majority of rosé wine in Provence.  Château Montaud is located in the heart of the Maures Mountains on the site of an old Roman villa. As with most wineries in the Côtes de Provence, Château Montaud is family owned. Francois Ravel started the winery in 1964 and today, his grandson Frederic Ravel presides over this 840-acre estate.  The warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters and low rainfall are ideal for growing grapes. The vines grow on long schist and sandstone terraces with cool breezes that emanate from the Mediterranean Sea. Château Montaud practices sustainable farming and integrated farming techniques, keeping the number of treatments required to a minimum. They grow varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Tibouren, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle and Chardonnay. Their winemaking techniques encompass advanced technology and traditional winemaking methods. Château Rosé Montaud Côtes de Provence 2017 is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Tibouren and Carignan. This aromatic blend is an inviting color of pink salmon with notes of fresh red fruit, strawberry, cherry, cranberry and hints of minerality. The palate is filled with flavors of cherry, strawberry, a trace of pepper and a touch of “the sea”. It is a very refreshing rosé with the perfect balance of acidity, minerality and dryness. Drink as an aperitif or pair with light fare such as seafood, shellfish, cheese, salads and light pasta. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $9  Now that I’m getting in the mood for Valentine’s Day, it’s time to decide what sparkling wines to chill! What will you be drinking?  Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It was a beautiful day in NYC yesterday. The temps hovered around 80 degrees and everyone was enjoying a day of summer in the middle of October!  I attended the Saint-Chinian walk-around wine tasting held at the Maison de la Région Occitanie. The event featured The Languedoc: Saint-Chinion wines represented by thirteen wine producers. I tasted some amazing wines which I will elaborate on over the weekend. I will also talk about the appellation, the vines and some of the producers. When I arrived home last evening, I reached for the Château Gassier Ormilles Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015 that was chilling in my refrigerator. With the warm weather and the taste of Saint-Chinian still on my palate, it was a perfect time to pop the cork! Although Provence is several hours away heading east, I was still in France! I reviewed this wine back in June. You can read the review at: http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2016/07/day-484.html  Have a great Tuesday!
Cheers! Penina |
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