And I come back to dwell on one of my favorite subjects in life, wines. And not just wines but those of France, simply the best folks; always imitated equal sometimes but never surpass, me think. I know wines just read my posts ;pro ,collector, and drinker ,not necessarily in that order lol!! We are still in the wine fairs period and just thought of bringing some news of the wines of France to my blog again.
I had my caddy full of bottles at the E Leclerc hypermarket in Vannes, our usual shopping spot. Of course, I buy at Nicolas, and direct from the domaines but E Leclerc is a nice one stop shopping we love each year. The sale started yesterday and today we went for our share and the best choices.
We got a caddy full of wines from different regions of France ,our favorites. These were Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Sud Ouest (southwest) and some from PACA on the roses. I was happy to find some bargain on memorable châteaux we have been in person over the year such as Château Lalande-Borie and the Marquis du Monts (La Tour du Monts) .In all we got about 50 bottles..! Do not know how long they will keep the webpage but this is the Foire aux Vins or wine fair page at E Leclerc: https://www.e.leclerc/cat/foire-aux-vins
The Maison Perrier-Jouët is hosting its first event at the Cellier Belle Epoque, for an exchange on the challenges of tomorrow’s viticulture in the heart of the Champagne vineyards. From September 22, 2021, the Cellier Belle Epoque opens its doors to the public to receive personalities from the world of wine, but also scientific experts, with the aim of bringing a new vision on various subjects currently going through the world of wine. Meetings at the Belle Epoque Cellar, Registration by email at mathilde.briard@pernod-ricard.com, September 22, 2021 at 19h (duration 1h30). Perrier-Jouët – Belle Epoque cellar, 26, avenue de Champagne Epernay, Free access, registration required. webpage: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/fr-fr/notre-maison/maison-belle-epoque
France hopes to obtain very soon a moratorium on the recent Russian law preventing Champagne from using its own name in the Cyrillic alphabet, announced Thursday, September 23 ,the Minister for Foreign Trade, Franck Riester, on France 2 TV. Since July 2, a modification of the Russian law on the trade of alcoholic products obliges the distributors of Champagne to exchange the prestigious title of “Champagne” against that of “sparkling wine” on the back-label of the bottles written in Cyrillic, reserving the denomination “Champanskoye” to Russian producers of sparkling wines. Russia is, along with the United States and Haiti, one of the states not to recognize the appellation d’origin controllée (AOC) of Champagne despite twenty years of discussions. It seems it is paying off and the Russian have discontinue with France again shipping Champagne to Russia.
The next charitable auction of Hospices de Beaune wines, the most important in the world, will be in part for the benefit of the cause of women whose sale will be organized this year by Sotheby’s, replacing its competitor Christie’s. The choice of beneficiaries of the sale of this barrel, which had reached the record of 660,000 euros last year, has not yet been carried out but it will be an association for the fight against violence against women and another in the field medical help. After London fifty years ago, then New York and Hong Kong, France will become the fourth platform for wine and spirits auctions. This decision was long overdue because French wines represent more than 85% of the amount of sales made by Sotheby’s in this area. Sotheby’s sold in 2020 for 92 million dollars (78.5 M EUR) of wine and spirits and already 58 M USD (49 M EUR) during the only first half of this year 2021; according to Sotherby’s. In 2014 , they represented 26% of sales, against 50% in 2019. Bordeaux represented 62% of sales in 2014 and 26% in 2019 of it. Of course.
The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti must also face the challenges of its time on a daily basis. Transmission of heritage and know-how, climatic hazards, speculative surges … But beyond these considerations, Aubert de Villaine remains confident, and ready to support the next generation, in the person of his co-manager Perrine Fenal ,daughter of Lalou Bize-Leroy (Owner and winegrower of Domaine Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay, and shareholder of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti) , also present during this interview, as well as his nephew Bertrand de Villaine. The transmission challenge is one of the greatest that we have in front of us. We have always done what is necessary to meet it, but it is a big problem in Burgundy. Estate taxes are important, and in a family, those who want to stay cannot always afford to buy the others out. The true value of a wine property, which is a business like any other, seems to me to be linked to its results and not to the extravagant value it can take in certain times when speculation prevails over reason. We expect the state to take these values as values of succession. When Robert Parker decided not to come to Burgundy anymore, it was very lucky, because we did not have to conform to his tastes. So said Aubert de Villaine on an interview in the La Revue du Vin de France magasin which I translated here.
While, throughout France, wine production will fall by 29% compared to 2020, to stand at 33.3 million hectoliters, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Burgundy still seems more affected. In this region, “the yields are historically low”, estimates François Labet, president of the Interprofessional Bureau of Burgundy Wines (BIVB). We are generally between 30 and 50% losses but there are big differences, with 70 and 80% losses for the whites of the Côte de Beaune and -50% in the Chablis and the Mâconnais “. Again citing news from La Revue du Vin de France.
Next spring,(2022), the Cité du vin invites you for an unprecedented immersion in the heart of the work of the genius painter Pablo Picasso, in order to examine the place that wine occupies in his universe. On the occasion of this exceptional exhibition, no less than 80 works will be exhibited, bringing together pieces from the Picasso museums in Paris and Barcelona, but also from private collectors From Friday April 15 to Sunday August 28, 2022, La Cité du vin Bordeaux ,keep an eye on https://www.laciteduvin.com/en
More than 900 of the finest bottles from the cellars of Château Canon (Saint-Émilion) and Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux), the two flagship grands crus of the fashion house Chanel, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s from October 15; (2021)the sale will close on October 29 at their premises in London, with relays in New York, Hongkong and Paris. The maze of vaulted cellars carved into the chalky subsoil of Château Canon, Saint-Émilion’s premier grand cru classé, is a place where no one can enter. Sheltered from light, protected by humidity and constant freshness, a treasure rests there. Thousands and thousands of bottles lying dormant, wisely stretched out each year in their metal racks. In recent weeks, more than 900 bottles, in ten different formats and each more grandiose than the next, have been carefully selected to make the news. From the Château Canon cellar, but also from Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux’s second classified grand cru, also a Chanel brand and just as rich in wonders. Because these mythical bottles will be dispersed during an exclusive auction by Sotheby’s. Stay tune on their webpage: https://www.sothebys.com/en/
And not necessarily wine news but in the world of cocktails and the new fad of less alcohol content the rule is Paris and its palace hotels; an overview. The bazooka effect of traditional recipes, those that glue you to your club chair from the first drink and make you dance the polka on the second, seems less sought after, thanks to blends whose alcoholic strength is more or less that of wine. , in a range which oscillates between 10 ° and 20 °. Another trend is that non-alcoholic cocktails are no longer seen as sinister abstinent fads. They are an integral part of the offer.
The Ritz had two bars, the Hemingway and the Ritz Bar. The second has been transformed into a pastry shop. But a new counter will be born, around an unexpected theme: astrology. will help clients move between Mars and Pluto, under a huge brass lantern that represents the astral chart and the signs of the zodiac. Twelve alcoholic cocktails, one for each sign. The recipes are chiadées. Aries, for example, combines brandy, sandalwood, pepper and plum vinegar to better reflect the impetuosity and stubbornness that often characterizes this sign. Note that each cocktail contains between 10% and 20% alcohol, which makes them much sweeter than the smashing Old Fashioned and other Sidecars. Four alcohol-free complete the offer. The Fleur, made from rose, geranium, honey and ibiscus, is highly recommended. Even more surprisingly, the Leaf combines aloe vera, mint, blackcurrant, spirulina and patchouli for a confusing texture and unusual aromas. Ritz bar. 15, place Vendôme (Paris 1éme) From 18h to 02h, Tuesday to Saturday. webpage: https://www.ritzparis.com/fr-FR/gastronomie-paris/bar-hemingway
Live music, with Les Ambassadrices , a group of ten musicians and singers attached to the place, and DJ evenings attract a clientele of thirty and fourteen Parisians. A new cocktail menu inspired by the different districts of Paris, well balanced, light in sugar. Like the Chat Perché, based on Dalmore 12 years, passion fruit and superfood, which will make whiskey love to its worst detractors. We also love 7053, a kind of subtle pinacolada made from rum, sage, green cardamom and coconut. Otherwise, the stars of the moment is Moscow Mule (here translated as Parisian Mule), Negroni, old Fashioned are always served with a nice house twist. Ambassadors at Crillon hotel. 10, place de la Concorde (Paris 8éme). Daily from 17h to 02h. webpage: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/fr/hotel-de-crillon/dining/bar-les-ambassadeurs
The atmosphere is festive at the Plaza bar. We still recommend the formidable Rock, a base of scotch whiskey infused with lapsang, with Drambuie liqueur, barbecue bitter and brown sugar. A powerful, deep and spicy recipe that erased the taster’s nascent migraine in two sips. On a softer note, Hip-hop, made from VSOP cognac infused with pineapple, ginger, vanilla syrup, lemon and passion lemonade, lime juice, ginger juice, is also to be discovered. For even more sweetness, we turn to the Disco, made from vodka, strawberry puree, pama liqueur, lime and cherry brandy. We love it. Plaza Athénée Hotel bar. 25, avenue Montaigne (Paris 8éme). Daily 18h to 00h30 (Sun to Wed) or 18h to 02h (Thu to Sat). webpage: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/fr/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee/restaurants-bars/le-bar/
At Bar 228, you can see a former President of the French Republic, an American pop star as well as a Prix Goncourt. The vibe is classic in the best sense of the word. From a request for tequila, that evening you are entitled to a mix of Mexican alcohol with pear, lime and hibiscus flower. The following cocktail combines tequila, passion fruit, fresh raspberry, lemon and elderberry liqueur Bar 228 at Meurice hotel. 228, rue de Rivoli (Paris 1éme). Daily from 12h to 01h. webpage: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/fr/paris/le-meurice/restaurants-bars/bar-228/
The Limbar , which owes its name to the limba wood, used for decoration is the back-to-school spot. The places immerse you in a sophisticated exotic atmosphere. The Limbar, a restaurant during the day, turns into a bar from 19h. On the program, nine signature cocktails and three alcohol-free proposals. In the latter category, lovers of oriental flavors should love the Grenache grape-acacia honey-Madagascan vanilla mix and the Lebanese inspiration of the Espresso Martini, made from cardamom and a coffee with chocolate aromas. We fall for these variations of Gimlet: Or Jaune is a devilish cognac cocktail made from a very almond-flavored Borderies cru, associated with a grape juice made from a variety of sauvignon blanc and chamomile; Rose gold, with cognac, Damascus rose, aloe vera and timut berry is equally enchanting. Limbar au Cheval Blanc hotel. 8, quai du Louvre (Paris 1éme). Daily from 18h to 00h. webpage: https://www.limbar.fr/
We run to sip a drink alone, in the iconic library bar of this 5-star hotel, comfortably nestled in a velvet or leather armchair. We must admit that arriving in the paved courtyard of this mansion, with its central jet of water, throws it in. To access the bar, you must show your white paw to a hostess who will roll out the red carpet to the reception rooms, sheltered under 15 meters high ceilings. To the left of the restaurant, the bar, all in woodwork, is worthy of an English club. In front, the garden, bucolic to perfection, and its pergola in Versailles green of the 19C style .Two atmospheres to choose from to taste one of the five house cocktails based on bourbon, tequila, vodka, Campari (for the Saint-James spritz ) or rosé-de-provence. The latter, dubbed ¬Math’s Hat, served with cream of redcurrant, lemon juice, ¬Nepal pepper and agave syrup, is an ideal alternative to start the evening smoothly. Bar at Saint-James hotel. 5, place du Chancelier-Adenauer (Paris 16éme) Daily from 19h to 01h. webpage; https://www.saint-james-paris.com/fr/le-bar-de-la-bibliotheque.html
The Evok group, which has become one of the trendiest hotels in Paris. What are these happy few, followers of uninhibited luxury doing here? Have a drink and dance to the sound of the DJ, present every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in the bar restaurant on the ground floor. Others prefer to sit on the vegetated terrace on the 1st floor where the drinks menu is shorter and can be accompanied by tapas. For this festive clientele, it stages gin, mescal, vodka, tequila, in a spectacular way. Like her go-to Lemon Rose , pairing tequila, yuzu liqueur, lemon juice and topped with a minute meringue, lemon pie style. A tangy and sweet mixture to be enjoyed in moderation. Bar at the Brach. 1-7, rue Jean-Richepin (Paris 16éme). Daily from 19h to 01h. webpage: https://brachparis.com/cocktails-et-bar-paris-16/
The Kimpton St Honoré, the first version in France of the trendy American chain, has taken place in the former Samaritaine de Luxe, whose spectacular Art Nouveau façade has been preserved. In addition to a Californian restaurant on the ground floor, the 5-star hotel has an 80-seat bar on the roof terrace, on the 10th floor: the Sequoia. But it is above all the spectacular 360 ° view that takes care of it: the Eiffel Tower, the neighboring Palais Garnier, the Sacré-Cœur… A privileged panorama, sublimated at sunset, that we savor on white benches, in a musical atmosphere of circumstance. Enough to steal the show from the cocktail menu, currently limited to four options (including a spritz, a Hugo and an alcohol-free) and snacks . The house’s signature, a My Tai with bourbon, yellow chartreuse, Cointreau, almond syrup and lime, is nevertheless successful. For amateurs, DJ evenings are organized on Fridays and Saturdays. To be grabbed before closing for winter! Sequoia at Kimpton St Honoré hotel. 27-29, boulevard des Capucines (Paris 2éme) Daily from 16h (Thu. to Sun.) or 17h (Mon. to Wed.) webpage: https://kimptonsthonoreparis.com/fr/sequoia-fr/
And there you go folks, another dandy wine news from France, my belle France. Hope you have enjoy the post and have the opportunity to try of these goodies above. I will be there again soon! For now and until next episode, stay safe!
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
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