Biodynamic Wine I take notes like a squirrel on the bird feeder—fast and full, getting it all down before someone changes the subject. You’ll know me by my notebooks. More often than not, however, the stuff that really sticks with me doesn’t require a scribble. My memory serves in certain …

Absinthe the Green Fairy Two highly-alcoholic beverages with herbal ingredients absinthe and pastis are both significantly linked to the food heritage of Provence. Absinthe is a spirit, not a liqueur as it does not contain sugar. Typically a green liquid, it is often referred to as “la fée verte” or “the green fairy.” …

Modern Wine and Architecture In 2004, Champagne Louis Roederer acquired a majority share in Les Domaines Ott*.  Cousins and the fourth generation in a family of winemakers Christian et Jean-François Ott remain intimately involved as directors in the operations at the vineyards supported by a team of oenologists. The Champagne …

Buying Rosé Numerous studies have been conducted in the food industry on what influences shoppers’ buying decisions. I came across several such studies during my printing equipment sales career, as print quality of the package can have an enormous impact, positive or negative, at the moment of selection. …Continue reading …

What’s a Christmas market in France be without some mulled wine? In fact, what is winter without mulled wine? As one of our followers pointed out, it also adds such a delicious smell to your house. Enjoy (in moderation of course). The advantage of making it yourself is that you …

France’s Rhône River runs north to south, beginning in the Swiss Alps and eventually finding its way to the Mediterranean Sea. Populating its banks are world-renowned vineyards, divided into Northern and Southern designations, the latter of which includes the Lirac Cru. In a valley where wines are classified by region – not …

Provence is blessed with a fantastic climate, especially for grapes! The region gets lots of sunshine and not too much rain with warm days and cool evenings. The Mediterranean moderates the temperatures and the famous “Mistral” wind keeps the vineyards dry, free of pests and the skies clear. Viticultural Provence …

It constantly amazes me how quickly two months pass. In the dead of winter, each month is dreadfully long and feels interminable. In contrast, the summer functions the complete opposite. It is never long enough and ends too quickly. These two months in Provence are always racing by, even though …

Rosé Royale is a cocktail recipe created for Mirabeau Wine by Lizzie King (the creator of Lizzie Loves Healthy). She created this pink-hued drink (with our rosé) and just enough bubbles to toast any occasion with good friends.

Today’s tasting may be the most unusual I have done. It is a wine that, if blindfolded when tasted, would not have said “rosé” to me, although it wouldn’t have said red or white. It has no traditional red fruits associated with rosé nor its distinct floral aromas. On the …