Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild + free, this is where I long to be, la isla bonita.
The sun is shining warmly on your face as you float, weightlessly in the azure blue pool, toes lazily dipping into the water every so often to cool you off. You’re relaxed and happy as you reach for a chilled glass of something delicious to quench your thirst, but you suddenly realize…for the first time in awhile…you don’t want to #roseallday, you want #whitewineallthetime?
Well…I tried.
But even the most dedicated rosé lovers (myself included) need a break every now and then, and when that happens, there’s nothing like a crisp, lively white wine to cleanse and refresh your palate. So if you’re in need of a change of pace right about now, you’re in the right place! In this post I’ve got some lively, refreshing white wines that are the perfect alternative to drinking pink.
But before we dive in, here are a few tips for selecting white wines for Summer:
Opt for white wines that are stainless steel fermented. This method preserves a wine’s fruity flavors and bright acidity which is ideal for Summer.
Avoid heavily oaked white wines. French oak imparts notes of baking spices such as clove, cinnamon and allspice that are usually associated with Fall. Oak treatment also gives wine a richer, more viscous texture which is also more of a #Fallthang.
Look for light to medium-bodied wines that won’t weigh you down with heavy tannins or get you drunk too quickly with oodles of alcohol.
1.) Loimer Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Austria ($18): This dry white wine is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner, the signature white grape of Austria. Fred Loimer produces some of the best examples of Austrian Grüner and is a big proponent of biodynamic farming as well. He harnesses all the charming qualities of this grape that’s known for its hallmark notes of citrus and white pepper. This wine is fermented entirely in stainless steel with glorious notes of green apple, lime, white peach and limestone with a dry, racy acidity. It also has the hint of “spritz,” a slight sign of effervescece often found in quality Grüners that aren’t overly processed.
2.) A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa ($17): This gem hails from South Africa’s Swartland wine region located about 30 miles north of Cape Town. Cousins Hein & Adi Badenhorst have been making their mark on the the wine scene over the past decade, crafting unique wines using traditional methods. Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety which originated in France’s Loire Valley and today, is the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa, where it is also known as “Steen.” This wine is fermented predominantly in stainless steel tanks and left on the lees for 7 months to enhance its richness and body. The result is a delightful wine with aromas of honey, orange blossom and white peach, followed on the palate by juicy flavors of ripe peach, citrus and pear accompanied by a lively, food-friendly acidity.
3.) Bodegas La Caña Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain: After introducing the Albariño grape to the US in 1991 and promoting it for many years, Jorge Ordoñez founded Bodegas La Caña in 2008. Today, this boutique winery is dedicated to preserving and producing native grape varieties from very old vines, which produce fruit of much higher quality and concentration. This wine is 100% Albariño crafted by winemaker Nacho Alvarez. 75% was fermented in stainless steel while the remaining 25% was fermented in large, neutral French oak barrels. It then spent 8 months sur lie with regular battonage to enhance the wine’s texture and mouthfeel. This wine has expressive fruity, floral aromas while on the palate its refreshing minerality and crisp acidity are accompanied by delightful notes of citrus, apricot and honey.
4.) Yalumba “Y Series” Viogner, South Australia, Australia ($12): If you’re craving a white wine with a little more heft, this stunner is definitely the way to go! Viognier is a white grape known for it’s opulent qualities but in certain incarnations (like this one), it expresses all of its unique characteristics without being too rich on the palate. Fermented entirely in stainless steel using native yeasts, the wine was allowed to remain on the lees for three months which added creaminess to the finished product. The final wine delights with fragrant aromas of orange blossom, ginger and honeysuckle while on the palate, notes of fresh pineapple, citrus, peach preserves and spice culminate in a lovely, lingering finish.
5.) Château Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc, Bordeaux, France ($22): Think that only uber-expensive, posh, collectible wines come from France’s Bordeaux region? Think again! Bordeaux Blanc is probably one of best kept secrets in the wine world - and one of the best values too! These wines are a blend of three grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle and if you’re a fan of lighter white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and/or Pinot Grigio, they are right up your alley. This particular beauty is a blend of 75% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle from 50 year old vines grown on the clay and limestone soils. Winemaker Hervé Dubourdieu fermented this wine entirely in stainless steel and the end result is a pure and expressive wine with sublime notes of lemon verbena, white peach and lime blossom with a hint of fennel. It is crisp and lively and sure to become a Summer favorite!
6.) The Paring Sauvignon Blanc, California ($25): If you prefer a bolder, more fruit forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc, this is definitely the wine for you! The Paring wines are a new offering from the acclaimed Jonata winery, and explore different blending opportunities where experimentations with site and varieties are key. Winemaker Matt Dees aged this wine in a combination of 1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French, 1/3 stainless steel for 10 months to created layers of texture and flavor. This wine is defined by powerful fruit and balanced by mouthwatering freshness; an exotic, decadently textured and electrically framed bottle of 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Classic lemon curd and lime zest aromas. Notes of grilled white peach and agave nectar. Dense and complete on the palate with a beautiful crisp pear-like texture. So satisfying. Finishes fresh with herbal complexity and hints of ripe green melon. Perfect white for the summer months.
Keep your face to the sunshine + you will never see the shadows.
While this Summer might look much different than you imagined earlier this year, there’s no reason you can’t still embrace the spirit of the season. In this post I’m sharing my Top 10 Summer Finds for Food + Wine Lovers that were chosen especially to enhance your enjoyment of Summer without wandering too far from home.
And for some reason I can’t seem to get enough of this gorgeous citrus yellow color! It literally makes my eyes smile which triggers an immediate flood of endorphins in my brain. And as a big proponent of “feeding your senses,” sight is a very important one and when feeling down or depressed, just focus your peepers on the above photo and see if this color doesn’t do the same for you.
Simply scroll down for the curated list and all the associated details. I hope these items help you celebrate Summer and live your best life in a new but thoroughly enjoyable way. xo
1.) SPARTINA Embroidered Florida Bag ($129): These charming, colorful embroidered bags truly represent the casual elegance of Summer and are available in many coastal states.
2.) REWINED Soy Wax Rosé Scented Candle ($28): This stylish candle is handpoured in Charleston, SC + beautifully captures the soft red berry, rose petal, white peach and pink peppercorn notes of your favorite rosé wine. It has an incredibly long burn time and it’s subtle delicious scent is positively perfect for Summer.
3.) LILLY PULITZER Marielle Scallop Dress in Lilly’s Lemon Floral Scallop Eyelet ($218): This absolutely gorgeous dress is Summer personified! Leave it to Lilly to come up with the most glorious, eye-catching citrus yellow color and combine it with the perfect seasonal eyelet fabric. This is sure to be a favorite for years to come.
4.) GLOSSIER Coconut Balm Dotcom ($26.95): This cult-favorite, do anything lip balm has the most heavenly coconut scent + once you experience it you’ll understand why it so frequently sells out! Formulated with nature’s heavy-duty moisturizers including Castor Oil, Beeswax + Lanolin it nourishes the skin while getting you in the Summer spirit.
5.) ISLAND CREEK OYSTER Starter Pack ($75): If you can’t make it to Cap Cod this Summer but still want the oyster experience, you can’t go wrong with oysters from Duxbury, MA! This started pack includes 2 dozen oysters PLUS shucking tools so simply pop a bottle of bubbly (the PERFECT pairing!) + get shuckin’!
6.) COMPTOIR SUD PACIFIQUE Vanille Coco Eau de Toilette Spray 1 OZ/30 ML ($42): The master perfumers behind Comptoir Sud Pacifique have truly captured the feeling of the tropics. Vanille Coco embodies the gentle warmth + relaxation of a South Pacific beach. The scent blends notes of island vanilla, refreshing coconut milk + intoxicating heliotrope for a blissful escape to a warm + gentle memory of paradise.
7.) CALIFORNIA PICNIC BASKET Set for 4 ($99.95): In lieu of that Summer trip, enjoy green spaces closer to home! Whether you choose the gently rolling hills of a local park or the beautiful white sands of your favorite beach, this picnic basket set is perfect for packing up your favorite al fresco foods (see #8 for some fab ideas!) + a bottle of wine and enjoy the COVID free fresh air!
8.) THE PICNIC: RECIPES + INSPIRATION FROM BASKET TO BLANKET BY MARNIE HANEL ($16): A picnic is a great escape from our day-to-day + a chance to turn a meal into something more festive + memorable. This fabulous book shares everything you need to plan an effortless outdoor get-together including no-fail recipes, helpful checklists + expert advice ~ Enjoy!
9.) BALL MASON JARS Regular Mouth w Lids + Bands (16-ounces) Set of 4 ($14.22): These multi-purpose jars are a Summer essential in our house! In addition to using them for preserving jams and jellies, we use them for everything from serving our favorite Summer cocktails (especially this one), to mixing a batch of salad dressing + creating layered salads + overnight oats - the possibilities are truly endless!
10.) CUISINART ICE-20 Automatic 1 1/2 Quart Ice Cream Maker ($89.97): One of Summer’s great delights ice cream on a hot, sunny day! And with this beauty you’ll always be prepared - it is a true investment that you will gain years of delicious enjoyment from. And if you’re looking for inspiration, try my recipe for Honey Lavender OR Browned Butter + Bacon ice cream.
Everybody’s palate is different, but nobody’s palate is wrong.
Wine can be a pretty intimidating subject. The sheer volume of information involved in its mastery is daunting enough but when you add a cadre of wine snobs and aloof Sommeliers to the mix, yep it’s official. I remember when I decided to get serious about wine and make it my career, those first few trade events and study groups were terrifying! But over time, I put in the work and earned my credentials, all while pledging to make the world of wine as unintimidating as possible for my readers, family and friends. Wine should be a source of pleasure and discovering which wines you like (and WHY!), can be a lot of fun as well as the key to feeling truly empowered.
So just imagine a day where you no longer have to rely on your spouse or friend to tell you which wine to order. Picture yourself confidently bellying up to the bar and ordering a glass of Trockenbeerenauslese…or Pinot Noir depending on how you roll. So if you’re interested in embarking on this wine-soaked journey towards vinous enlightenment, I’ve got six essential tips to Empowering your Palate that are going to help you learn about the world of wine and, most importantly, lead you to discover which wines YOU truly love!
In order to truly empower your palate and experience the world of wine, you’re going to have to forego the tried and true, break out of your wine rut and start tasting lots of different wines. That’s not to say you should just randomly choose wines based on the critter or picture on the label – no, not at all! You just need to start tasting different wines from a variety of wine regions that are recommended by your “go to” websites, resources and people whose opinions you trust and respect in order to make an informed decision.
Here on my website I’ve got lots of helpful resources to guide your tasting exercises including blog posts (a great place to start is with White Wine 101, Red Wine 101 and Champagne + Sparkling Wine 101), podcast episodes and mini video masterclasses on a host of wine regions, producers and styles of wine. And please scroll down for even more helpful resources and advice on empowering your palate!
You’re out drinking wine with friends (properly social-distanced of course!) and you try a wine that truly wows you. You love it so much you’re absolutely sure you’ll remember the name of the producer and what the label looks like. But, not surprisingly, the next morning through your vinous haze you just can’t remember a darn thing about that wine! (I’ve been there too!)
This is precisely why, the moment you discover a wine that delights you, either write down the name of the wine and/or producer in the “Notes” section of your iPhone or, even better, snap a photo of it. Having that photo is your key to finding that wine again or getting something that’s very similar. So create a new folder in your photo app labeled “Wine” and, in time, you’ll develop a library of images that’ll tell the story of your unique vinous preferences. You can use this valuable information to help determine which wines you’re likely to enjoy in the future. You can also use wine apps like Delectable (my personal fave!), Wine-Searcher and Vivino that have loyal communities of wine lovers and experts to guide you as well.
This is perhaps the most important tip to vinous empowerment! In the process of discovering which wines truly make your palate sing, you’ll need a guide by your side since I can’t always be there with you (darn!). Because as you may have already discovered, many wines you read about on websites, in books or in magazines are not available at your local retail store. This is mostly due to antiquated wine laws that prevent retailers from having open access to whatever wines they want and unfortunately there’s no sign of anything changing anytime soon.
That’s why it helps to have someone who’s local and easily accessible who can reliably guide you to a similar selection in the event the wine you’re looking for isn’t available. The beauty is, over time, you’ll become more confident discussing wine and they’ll become familiar with your palate and will be able to anticipate and recommend wines you’ll like in the future based on your purchase profile with them. And I know they’ll really appreciate your business right now, and conveniently, many of them deliver now too!
Now that we’re all supposed to be sticking closer to home, it’s the perfect time to catch up on your reading! And there’s SO many amazingly delicious wine resources to dive into. A great place to start here on my website is with my posts that cover the basics: White Wine 101, Red Wine 101 and Champagne + Sparkling Wine 101. Other resources I greatly admire in the wine world by some of my favorite experts include:
The Wine Bible ($18) by truly fabulous innovator + wine expert, Karen MacNeil. You’ll thoroughly enjoy her charismatic writing style, plus she enjoys a glass of Champagne every day of her life so I love her for that as well! You can also click here for my interview with her to learn more about her fascinating journey as one of the first female wine writers.
The Oxford Companion to Wine ($49) and Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties ($129) by the legendary Jancis Robinson
Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World Class Sommelier ($20) by the uber-brilliant yet down to earth Sommelier of Le Bernardin in NYC, Aldo Sohm.
Anything written by Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson.
Of course you can also listen to podcasts which are perfect if you’re on the go or pedaling away on your Peloton! Of course I highly recommend my podcast, The Wine Atelier, but some of my other favorites include Levi Dalton’s “I’ll Drink to That,” and the Guild of Sommeliers podcast.
This tip generally would have read “attend all the wine events you can afford and/or have time for,” however, given our new, altered reality, virtual tasting are definitely the way to go - and I have to say, they are fabulous! I’ve been on both the attending and delivering end of virtual tastings and the sense of conviviality you experience at an “in-person” wine tasting can definitely be achieved at virtual events as well.
Some of my favorite entities that are hosting regular “virtual” wine tastings right now include:
EATER at Home Virtual Food + Wine Events on Instagram: Updated every Monday, the Eater at Home live tastings feature some of the food and wine world’s most well-known names such as Samin Nosrat, Alex Guarnaschelli and Andrew Zimmern.
Coravin Virtual Wine Events: Headed by Greg Lambrecht, inventor of the Coravin which revolutionized the way we taste wine. He has created a nice lineup of hosts whose goal it to create special moments of connection over a glass of wine.
Corkbuzz: The fabulous NYC-based restaurant and wine bar founded by female Master Sommelier, Laura Maniec.
Charlie Palmer’s Pigs + Pinot Tutorial Series: Every Thursday @ 4pm ET Chef Palmer and a rotating lineup of prominent Sonoma winemakers for the inside scoop on our favorite pork and pinot pairings.
The Boisset Collection: The charismatic Jean-Charles Boisset hosts daily Happy Hour wine tastings on Facebook Live @ 6pm PDT where he opens bottles and takes questions from viewers.
Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions + more tolerance.
While attending virtual events and tastings is really fun and you’re probably learning something new during each one, if you really want to kick it up a notch, taking formal wine classes is the way to go!
Wine & Spirit Education Trust: WSET provides globally recognized education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for professionals as well as enthusiasts. They have a variety of different levels of certification that you can start at based on your existing level of proficiency. I currently hold the WSET Advanced Certificate which involved a blind tasting of two wines and a written exam consisting of a multiple choice section and an essay paper. These courses focus on materials best suited to teaching and writing about wine since there is no service component to them. If you’re interested in working in a service capacity, check out the next organization.
The Court of Master Sommeliers: Made famous by the 2012 movie SOMM, this globally recognized organization is considered the benchmark as far as wine service goes. And while the Master Sommelier designation is the pinnacle of this organization (there are only 255 Master Sommeliers in the world!), there are three other preceding tiers of certification as well, the Intro level which is perfect for enthusiasts and those still considering a career in the wine industry, the Certified Sommelier level which is self-study only and the exam is a mini-version of the Master Somm exam, consisting of a blind tasting of two wines, a written theory portion and a service component.
The last level before the Master Sommelier is the Advanced Sommelier in which all three components of the exam, bling tasting, theory and service, must be passed at the same time and failing any one of them requires you to take the entire exam and all of its components over again.
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW): If the Master Sommelier is the highest certification in terms of service in the wine world, the Master of Wine is the highest level of certification in terms of academia and writing. The WSET diploma is often considered a prerequisite to being accepted into the MW program which culminates in a three-part examination, comprised of theory and practical components as well as a research paper. The theory papers touch on a comprehensive range of wine-related topics including viticulture and vinification, the business of wine and current trends in the wine industry. There are currently 394 MW’s in the world today.
Society of Wine Educators (SWE): As the title implies, this organization is focused on providing wine and spirits education along with the conferral of several certifications including the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Certified Spirits Educator (CSE). The Society is internationally recognized and its programs are highly regarded for both their quality and relevance to the industry.
Wine Scholar Guild: This well-respected organization is considered the leading provider in specialized certification programs on the Old World wine regions of France, Italy and Spain with a school network spanning 30 countries and 5 continents. They’re definitely pioneers in online wine education and students learn from the best names in the wine industry. They also offer very exclusive wine study immersion programs on the market.
I hope you find these 6 essential tips for Empowering your Palate helpful and that these resources enhance your enjoyment and exploration of the wine world. Whether as a career or hobby, this is truly a topic you can easily devote your life to!
And if you’d like to receive weekly updates about the world of food and wine, simply click here to sign up for my newsletter. The GG Guide to Wine + Food will delight you with seasonally-inspired, Sommelier-curated recipes, wine recommendations, pairings and travel trips. xo
In France, the fourteenth of July is referred to as Le Quatorze Juillet, otherwise known as Bastille Day. This important date commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. The Bastille was actually a fortress-like prison used by the King and Queen to imprison those who challenged their authority. It was viewed by many as a symbol of all that was wrong with the royalty. Finally, on July 14, 1789, a throng of French citizens stormed the Bastille in protest. Just as citizens of the United States celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence as the beginning of the American Revolution, so the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille as the beginning of the French Revolution.
Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France on this day and the oldest and largest military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14th on the Champs-Élysées. And in solidarity with the French, I like to prepare a special Bastille Day Menu that brings the Champs-Élysées to Chez Miskew via one of my favorite French dishes of all time, Frisée Aux Lardons, a salad that’s a mixture of frisée lettuce, bacon (aka lardons) and a poached egg with a perfectly oozy, runny center.
Once the salty nuggets of bacon are browned, shallots, Sherry vinegar, olive oil and fines herbes (a combination of Mediterranean herbs such as parsley, chives, tarragon and/or chervil) are added to the fat in the pan to create a deliciously tangy, sinful concoction that’s perfect for dressing the hearty, bitter frisée.
Once the salad is assembled, top it with a perfectly poached egg and the result...sheer deliciousness! I love the recipe for Frisée Aux Lardons from The Balthazar Cookbook which is from one of my all-time favorite restaurants in New York City. This cookbook is a definite MUST for all Francophile foodies!
Conveniently, this deliciously decadent salad pairs nicely with a variety of French wines. White wine lovers should opt for a refreshingly crisp Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Crafted entirely from Sauvignon Blanc (remember, French and most Old World wines are named according to where they're from, NOT the grape variety!), this wine has a mouth watering acidity that stands up nicely to the richness of the bacon fat and complements the vinegary "tang" of the salad dressing perfectly. Exceptional Sancerre producers to keep an eye out for are Pascal Jolivet, François Cotat, Henri Bourgeois, Michele Redde and Lucien Crochet.
A dry, Provençal Rosé would also be a fabulous choice especially since there's something truly magical about the way these pink wines pair with any type of pork product. Crafted from a variety of indigenous French grapes including Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Rolle these wines exhibit soft, red berry infused flavors counterbalanced by a delightful minerality and refreshing acidity that make them imminently food friendly. Producers to look for include Chateau D'Esclans, Chateau Minuty, Chateau Miraval, Chateau Sainte Marguerite and Domaines Ott.
Red wine lovers should opt for lighter-bodied, chillable reds like cru Beaujolais. These vinous gems (that are not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau) hail from the Southernmost part of Burgundy and have long been darlings of the Sommelier world. Unlike the uber-expensive, Pinot Noir-based wines of Burgundy proper, Beaujolais is crafted from the Gamay grape and these fragrant, fruity reds are characterized by a bright acidity, minimal tannins and charming notes of black and red berry fruit, violets and cassis. Their easygoing texture and flavor also make them gloriously versatile at the table.
To ensure you bring home a “Cru” Beaujolais be sure to look for the name of one of ten different villages or “crus” on the label. These villages make the finest examples of these wines that generally retail for under $25 a bottle and include: Fleurie, Chénas, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, St. Amour, Chiroubles, Régnié and Juliénas. Producers to seek out from this region include Maison Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Marcel Lapierre, Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques and Domaine du Pavillon de Chavannes.
I like to round out my Bastille Day meal with something sweet like these simple, yet utterly delicious, French Honey Fleur de Lys cookies. I discovered them years ago on Laura Calder's show "French Food at Home" and they are still on regular rotation in our home today. They’re extremely easy to make and the key is to bake the cookies until they are a rich, brown color which makes them taste like the burnt sugar topping of a creme brulée - ooh la la! I ordered a fleur de lys shaped cookie cutter from Amazon ($5.99) and a few days later voilà - delicious Bastille Day cookies.
I hope you enjoy this Bastille Day Menu featuring mouthwatering Frisée Aux Lardons Salad paired with the wine of your choice followed by delicious Honey Fleur de Lys cookies and I'd love to hear what you think! Please let me know in the Comments section below and if you’d like to receive my weekly newsletter, “The GG Guide to Wine + Food” featuring seasonally-inspired, Sommelier-curated recipes, wine recommendations, pairings and travel trips, please click here to sign up ~ Joyeux Le Quatorze Juillet!!!
Print Recipe"FRISEE AUX LARDONS SALAD"
Author: The Balthazar Cookbook, Keith McNally, Riad Nasr + Lee Hanson
Serves: 6
Ingredients
6 slices of brioche, preferably stale
4 heads of frisée, cored, rinsed, spun dry and torn into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup Sherry vinegar
1/2 pound slab bacon (rind removed), cut into 1/2-inch lardons (thick cut bacon can be substituted if slab bacon is not available)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
3 Tablespoons fines herbes
6 large eggs
Sea salt, preferably Maldon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Trim the crusts from the bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Place on a sheet tray and bake in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Shake the pan halfway through to toast evenly. Combine the croutons in a large bowl with the clean frisée.
Prepare the pan for poaching the eggs: Fill a wide-straight-sided saute pan with water (about two-third fulls) and add the tablespoon of vinegar. Over a medium-high flame, bring to a gentle simmer, and adjust the heat to maintain it.
In a dry skillet or saute pan over medium heat, brown the lardons well on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add the minced shallots and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, to soften and lightly brown them. Without pouring off the fat, add the 1/2 cup of vinegar to the pan. Bring to a boil, using a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious bits that have caramelized on the surface of the pan. When the vinegar has reduced by half, about 3 minutes, turn off the flame. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper, and stir well to combine. Pour this warm vinaigrette with bacon into the bowl of frisée, along with the croutons and fines herbes. Toss well to combine. Divide the salad among 6 serving plates, piled into small heaps.
Crack the eggs, one at a time, into a small saucer and then slide them into the simmering water. Poach for 4 minutes, resulting in a set white and a cooked but runny yolk. With a slotted spoon, scoop out the poached eggs, one at a time, drain, and position on top of each pile of frisée. Sprinkle with crunchy sea salt (like Maldon) and a few turns of a peppermill. Serve immediately.
No wine embodies Summer quite like rosé and sparkling rosé is truly the epitome of casual Summer elegance. To guide us on a Summer-inspired, sparkling rosé adventure and get you in the mood to “drink pink”, episode #25 features the fabulous Rita Jammet, lifelong Champagne lover and CBO (Chief Bubble Officer) of La Caravelle Champagne.
As co-proprietor (with her husband André) of one of New York City’s most iconic French restaurants for 20 years, Rita created exceptional dining experiences for some of the world’s most famous names (you simply MUST tune in for all the glamorous details!). It was her unique insight into hospitality and fine dining gained during this time that helped her to reinvent herself and establish La Caravelle Champagne when the couple decided to close the restaurant in 2004.
Today her delightful, food-friendly Champagnes are enjoyed in prestigious restaurants around the globe and her down to earth, drink-what-you-like approach to wine combined with her naturally warm, gracious personality make her the perfect Ambassador for the region and its iconic wines. So whether you’re wondering how these special wines are made, what glassware to use and/or what foods to pair with sparkling wine - Rita’s definitely got you covered!
So please pour yourself a glass of wine (preferably rosé!), kick back and relax and enjoy Episode #25 of The Wine Atelier Podcast featuring the delightful Rita Jammet as she gets us excited for enjoying rosé this Summer and shares the amazing story of La Caravelle Champagne!
1.) How Rita combined her love of Champagne and 25+ years of experience running an iconic French restaurant into La Caravelle Champagne.
2.) Rita’s concept of “double magic” when it comes to Rosé Champagne.
3.) The surprising way La Caravelle’s Brut Rosé Champagne is made and how it gets its gorgeous pink color.
4.) Why Champagne is SO food friendly and which dishes Rita loves to pair with Brut Rosé.
5.) Which glassware you should definitely stay AWAY from when serving Champagne!
- Champagne + Sparkling Wine 101
- All the details on the “saignée” method of making rosé
- Glassware mentioned: Zalto Denk’Art, The One by Andrea Immer Robinson, Gabriel-Glas
– To share your thoughts, please leave me a note in the Comments section below + click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes are greatly appreciated!
While the global pandemic has essentially derailed every wine event since early March, it couldn’t stop a small, yet determined group of rosé-loving Sommeliers in South Florida on a recent Friday in June.
While initially scheduled for April, the judging portion of The Rosé Competition had been postponed…and then postponed again. As a judge, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that it probably wasn’t going to be rescheduled anytime soon. But thankfully our fearless leader, the fabulous Shari Gherman, co-founder of The American Fine Wine Competition and all around vinous badass, made a very gutsy decision.
During the reopening phase here in South Florida, Shari gave us the option of participating in a scaled down version of judging process. She assured us it would take place in a highly sanitized, masked, properly socially-distanced environment in a venue where access, sanitization and logistics could be absolutely guaranteed. She made it clear there was no pressure to participate, and while I initially hesitated, knowing Shari like I do and having worked with her and been the beneficiary of her incredible professionalism for many years, I trusted her implicitly.
And I’m really glad I did!
The judging experience proceeded as promised and, over the course of a day with the help of our indispensable, fully gloved and masked Wine Angels, we worked our way through the numerous flights of rosé until we pared the selections down to our winners in both the still and sparkling categories.
As a huge fan of all things sparkling I was elated to hear California’s Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé ($44) took the top spot for the second year in a row. This is truly a testament to founding winemaker Eileen Crane’s 40+ years of experience making beautiful, classic Méthode Traditionelle sparklers inspired by its founder, Champagne Taittinger. Even as she retires this year, her wines continue to set the bar for sparkling wine in the US and undoubtedly will for years to come. (For more on Eileen’s fascinating career, please check out my podcast interview with her here)
Runners up in the sparkling category include Syltbar “Il Concerto” Rosé ($23), an organic wine made from Merlot grapes from Friuli, Italy; the Brengman Brothers Ca’del Borgo Extra Dry Rosé ($18) from Michigan; and the final double gold medal winner in the sparkling wine category was Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour ($44) - one of my all time favorites!
In the still rosé category, I was surprised to discover the winner didn’t hail from Provence as many might expect given the recent #RoseRevolution that’s largely attributed to the popularity of Provençal rosé. And it didn’t come from California either. No, the winner of the still rosé category came from the Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan! The Brengman Brother’s Block 7 Rosé ($25), crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, captivated the judges and nabbed the top spot this year.
Runners up in the still category include the BACA Rosé ($24), made from organically farmed, Lodi Zinfandel grapes (and conveniently available in a three-pack of cans) and from Russian River Vineyards two selections earned double gold medals, the Giana May Rosé ($30) made from Pinot Noir grapes and their Petite Sirah Rosé ($30) from the Wedge Family Vineyard.
Rounding out the Double Gold medal winners in the still category were, the Ravoire & Fils Costeval Rosé ($15) from Coteaux d’Aix en Provence; Château des Garcinières Cotes du Provence Rosé ($26); the SMAK “Summer” Rosé from Walla Walla and the Bricoleur Vineyards Estate Grown Rosé of Pinot Noir ($32).
Cheers to Shari Gherman and Bob Ecker for their enduring dedication to this competition and for making the judging component of the 2020 Rosé Competition possible this year. As a judge, I’m thrilled to see so many exciting rosé-producing regions represented, from Provence, France to the Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan!
Please feel free to share this post with your fellow rosé lovers and help spread the word about all of these amazing wines. People need to know about them now more than ever! And for the full list of results including additional gold and silver medal winners, please visit The Rosé Competition website by clicking here. xo
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Ah Summer! The intoxicating season that inspires feelings of carefree bliss and joyful abandon and is usually spent frolicking on a white sandy beach or other equally relaxing locale. And, as with all seasons, Summer has its own unique coterie of flavors and signature dishes that are an intrinsic part of the seasonal experience. During these warmer months, we usually seek out lighter fare with bright, lively flavors that takes full advantage of the abundant seasonal produce Mother Nature provides.
Below is a breakdown of some classic Summer flavors - just looking at it makes my mouth water and inspires me to combine these elements in oodles of delicious ways! And since my goal is to help you Empower your Palate, please take a minute to study it and jot down some combinations that sound especially appealing to you.
For instance, I love to combine crispy prosciutto, basil and burrata cheese for a delicious and easy Summer dinner. In addition to the ingredients, be sure to keep in mind the method of preparation as well, instead of braising and roasting, Summer is the perfect season for grilling and even using citrus juices to do the cooking for you (aka denaturation).
The wines we gravitate to in the Summer share many of the same characteristics as our favorite foods, they’re usually lighter-bodied with bright flavors ranging from tangy, tart citrus to juicy red berries that are usually complemented by a lively acidity.
In light of the global pandemic, however, this typically carefree season is going to play out a little differently for most of us this year. We may forego our Summer travels and social outings, and opt to stick closer to home instead. For that reason, this Summer is the perfect time for creating seasonally-inspired pairings in the comfort and safety of your own kitchen.
For many of us, our kitchens have already provided much needed respite from all the pandemic stress and become a sanctuary where we nourish ourselves and our families (for 5 Ways to Find Joy in your Kitchen this year, please click here). This post is intended to inspire and awaken your senses to the flavors of Summer and encourage you to indulge and enjoy them in your own home. Below are three of my favorite Summer-inspired food and wine pairings (all wines are $25 or less), please feel free to prepare them “as is” or use them as inspiration for creating pairings of your own:
WINE #1: Loimer Grüner Veltliner Langenlois Kamptal, Austria ($16): I couldn’t think of a better place to start than with the delightful, signature white grape of Austria, Grüner Veltliner. This grape produces charming, lively white wines known for possessing aromas and flavors of green apple, citrus and stone fruit accompanied by an endearing peppery, spicy note. This wine is also perfect for Summer enjoyment because it’s generally fermented in stainless steel tanks. These large, neutral containers preserve the fresh, fruity characteristics of the grape itself without imparting any secondary aromas or flavors like oak barrels do. So, when shopping for Summer whites, gravitate towards those that are “stainless steel fermented” and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, refreshing wines that will delight your palate and pair with a variety of Summery dishes.
FOOD PAIRING #1: Clams with Fennel + White Bean Sauce: This pairing works for a few different reasons, (1) the weight of the wine matches weight of the food, and by that I mean neither one overwhelms the other; (2) the flavors complement each other beautifully, the citrus of the wine acts like a squeeze of lemon on the clams, and (3) the textures create great synergy as well, the creaminess of the wine harmonizes nicely with the creaminess of the white beans.
WINE #2: Château Minuty “M” Cotes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France ($18): Established in the 1930’s, Château Minuty has been making rosé for over 80 years - long before the relatively recent #RoseRevolution! Located on the breathtaking St. Tropez peninsula with vineyards a stone’s throw from the ocean, Château Minuty is the best selling rosé in Cannes, Nice and St. Tropez. Their classic Provençal, rose petal pink rosés are crafted from predominantly Grenache, the superior rosé-making grape, as well as additional regional grapes including Cinsault and Syrah. This wine has beautiful aromas of soft red berries, minerals and lavender while on the palate wild strawberry, cherry and spice predominate along with a cleansing, refreshing minerality. For more on the fascinating Château Minuty, please check out my interview with owner Francois Matton by clicking here.
FOOD PAIRING #2: Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli + Fennel, Olive + Spinach Salad: This pairing follows one of my favorite pairing principles of ALL time, “If it grows together, it goes together.” Who can argue with centuries of culinary research found in these Old World regions? Aioli is a mayonnaise-like mixture of garlic, olive oil and salt that originated in the South of France and I must say, something truly magical happens when you combine rosé with garlic! And then add the combination of Mediterranean flavors including the olives and fennel and the glorious texture of the swordfish and you’ve got INSTANT synergy!
WINE #3: Maison Joseph Drouhin Hospices de Belleville Fleurie, Beaujolais, France ($25): Beaujolais is the southernmost part of France’s world renowned Burgundy wine region. But unlike Burgundy’s famous, yet notoriously pricey Pinot Noir-based red wines, the red wine of Beaujolais, which are made from the Gamay grape, represent one of the best values in the wine world today. Gamay produces wines with a lovely translucent red color, high acidity and minimal tannins. And since they are usually fermented entirely in stainless steel (remember that?) the wine’s fruity characteristics are allowed to shine which, in this case, include enticing notes of rose petal, black cherry, plum and a hint of spice. It’s important to note that when shopping for Beaujolais, avoid the mass-produced, insipid Beajolais Nouveau wines. Instead, you want to seek out “cru” Beaujolais wines that will have the name of one of ten unique villages on the bottle. These villages produce the best examples of these wonderful wines and are still a phenomenal value, these are the names to look for: Fleurie, Chénas, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, St. Amour, Chiroubles, Régnié or Juliénas.
FOOD PAIRING #3: Quick Coq au Vin: If you’re looking to get your French on this Summer but don’t want to slave over a hot stove for hours, try this positively deeelicious “Fast + Fabulous” version of this classic French dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Once again, this pairing features a wine and a dish from the same geographical region so just go with the flow! And while Coq au Vin is typically made with a heavier, Pinot Noir-based Burgundy, using a lighter-bodied Gamay makes the dish perfect for Summer. Incorporating thyme also gives the dish some lemony lightness and lift and feel free to substitute white meat chicken if you like but the chicken thighs are ooooh soooo gooood!
Everybody’s palate is different, but nobody’s palate is wrong.
***An important thing to keep in mind when shopping for these or any wines and a key step to “Empowering your Palate” is developing a good relationship with your local wine store. Because, as you may have already discovered, all wines are unfortunately not available in all places at all times. So when you visit your local shop, ask for the featured wines and if they don’t currently have them in stock, and this part is KEY, simply ask for something similar!
For instance, if you’re looking for the aforementioned Drouhin Fleurie Beaujolais and they’re out or don’t currently stock it, ask if they have a Fleurie from another producer. And if they don’t have a Fleurie, ask if they have any Cru Beaujolais that’s similar - it’s really that easy! Sometimes the shop will even order the wine for you, it’s always worth asking. Once you develop a good rapport with a sales person you’ll also feel more comfortable “talking the talk” of wine and you’ll also have someone who can anticipate which wines you might like based on the wines you’ve already purchased.
I hope this post inspires you to go forth and celebrate the flavors of Summer, even if this year it means doing it in a slightly different way in the unexpected comfort of your own home. And instead of it being the Summer you missed out on your favorite trip to the beach because of the pandemic, it could be the Summer you discovered your new favorite wine. xo
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