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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 Château d’Esclans is an enchanting property situated in the heart of Provence, France, northeast of St. Tropez.  Photo courtesy of Château d'Esclans In 2006, Sacha Lichine purchased the property. Sacha was born in Bordeaux and educated in America. Since age 23, he has worked in every aspect of the wine industry, including production and sales. With the purchase of Château d’Esclans, Sacha’s vision was to create the most outstanding rosés in the world. And with unerring determination, the Château is now home to the iconic rosé brand, Whispering Angel, and in its sixteenth vintage. The WineKnitter is no stranger to the beautiful rosés produced by Sacha Lichine and Château d’Esclans, which I have had the pleasure of reviewing in the past.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Today I’m delighted to give a shout-out to Sacha’s latest creation, “The Pale.” This whimsical bottle is a nod to the roaring twenties and aligns with the mid-20th century cocktail party scenes. And it comes with a very friendly price tag!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The PALE Rosé by Sacha Lichine 2021 Made with Grenache, Rolle Syrah, and Cinsault, the grapes are sourced from the best terroirs in the Vin de Pays/ IGP Var region. The vineyards are parallel to the Mediterranean coast and influenced by the fresh sea air of the French Riviera. Salty and sun-drenched soils contribute to a dry yet fruity character. Aging is on fine lees for five to eight months in stainless steel tanks contributing to a subtle creamy texture.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, red berries, a hint of sweet citrus, and grapefruit. Palate: Fresh, dry, and lively with aromas that segue onto the palate. Notes of minerality and nice acidity mingle with honeydew, berries, and pink grapefruit on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $16.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with salads, appetizers, cheese, light pasta, or pizza. If you want to change up your rosé experience, try a spin on the classic spritz and make a rosé spritz. Or try this Provence Cooler, created by New York bartender Auriela Nossa and first published by Liquor.com.  Photo courtesy of Auriela Nossa and Liquor.com Provence Cooler
Ingredients: 3/4 ounce vodka 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1 blackberry 2 basil leaves 3 ounces rosé Garnish: basil leaf Garnish: blackberry Steps: 1. Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker. 2. Add the blackberry and muddle. 3. Add the basil leaves and ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. 4. Add the rosé to the shaker, then strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. 5. Garnish with a basil leaf and skewered blackberry. Happy sipping! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com If you are looking to dazzle your palate, celebrate a special occasion, or seek something beyond the usual wine gift this holiday season, consider these wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss And yes, they are pricey. However, if it is within your budget, these wines are worth exploring and will surely impress the discerning palate. Château d’Esclans Garrus 2020 This luxury cuvée is made in the heart of Provence, France, and it is considered Château d’Esclans’ finest wine. The estate refers to it as “the essence of 100-year-old vines.” It is a blend of Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard of 100-year-old vines, with fermentation and aging taking place in large French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful notes of floral, peach, berries, and spice. Palate: Lush, ripe red berries, white stone fruit, vibrant acidity, and a hint of minerality. The finish is long, with baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of citrus lingering. Magnifique! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $110 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, seafood, grilled chicken, Ceviche, goat cheese salad, creamy pasta, or grilled vegetables. Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012 Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine, established in 1925, is located in Verona, Italy. In 2019, I met with third-generation Ricardo and Alessandro Pasqua for an informative and delightful lunch and wine tasting. Included in the tasting was the 2011 Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, an unforgettable experience! So, I was very excited when I recently received the 2012 vintage! This wine is a blend of 65% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. The grapes are hand-harvested and dried in crates for four months. Aging occurs in new French oak casks (70% barrels of 225 liters and 30% 500 liters) for 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Heady aromas of plum, dark cherry, earth, spice, oak, and cocoa beans. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate of this complex and opulent wine. Dark fruit merges with baking spice and dark chocolate for a rich, silky, well-balanced wine. The finish is long and elegant. Alcohol: 16.5% SRP: $113 Pairing suggestions: Aged cheese, grilled meat, stews, risotto, and dark chocolate desserts. To learn more about Pasqua, click on the menu at right. (Please note some stats and info have changed since the 2019 article was published.) M by Michael Mondavi Napa Valley Red Blend 2018 The new label on this bottle is a “stop-in-your-tracks” stunner. And what is inside is superb! This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot sourced from a select block within volcanic hillside vineyards sitting on top of Atlas Peak. The vineyards for M by Michael Mondavi Family are sustainably farmed with a focus on biodiversity, allowing each vineyard block’s unique attributes to shine through. Michael’s son, head winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr, crafts M by Michael Mondavi to “express the balance personified by the great Bordeaux houses, while embracing the rich opulence and plushness of Napa Valley.” Winemaker Sabrina Massola brings her expertise to the blend, inspired by Michael’s palate and guidance. The wine is aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months.  Nose: Floral, dark berries, blueberries, plum, baking spice, and herbs set the stage for this rich wine.
Palate: Dark cherry, juicy plum, berries, a touch of violet, and a hint of forest floor, with complexity and fine tannins. The finish goes on forever. This is a seductive and luxuriant wine. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $200 Pairing suggestions: Roasted meats and stews, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, seared tuna, or roasted duck. One doesn’t need to deplete their bank account to enjoy a bottle of wine. There are many excellent wines for under $30. However, there are times when one might feel like splurging, and these three wines are a delicious option for those “sumptuous” urges! 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 is the start of July 4th weekend. Wasn’t I just recently talking about Memorial Day? The summer is going by so quickly. Except for some big thunderstorms today, the rest of the weekend looks pretty good. So chill the wine, pack a picnic and find some awesome fireworks to watch.  A lovely Rosé to pack in your picnic cooler is Château Gassier Ormilles Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015. I had it the other evening as an aperitif. Made with Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this dry rosé is refreshing as an aperitif or with light fare. The color was between salmon and peach with aromas of strawberry, peach and a hint of citrus. The palate offered a creamy texture of strawberry, light berries and a hint of vanilla. A touch of lemon zest lingered on a medium-finish. Alcohol 13% My post is short and sweet today. I have much to do to get ready for this weekend.
Happy Friday! Cheers! Penina |
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