The summer I spent as a college exchange student in Paris was incroyable. Not only did I fall in love with the City of Lights as I immersed myself in French culture from sun-up to sundown, I had my first taste of unforgettable wines that have propelled me towards the official winelover status I enjoy today! You can probably guess my annual July 14 Bastille Day endeavor: I open a bottle of wine from France and celebrate this stunning country, one of my favorites.
Since those two months in Paris, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to return and visit several wine regions in France. I’ve also had many occasions to meet winemakers and producers who have come to Chicago to share their stories and wines.
Naturally, this is the perfect time to offer you a second sip, so to speak, of a few of my past articles about these experiences. I hope you, too, will find a lovely bottle or two to open while you celebrate all things French on July 14. Click on the title of each article to discover the story of the region and suggestions for a few wines that, hopefully, you’ll feel inspired to try. Vive le France!
Photo Credit: www.winefolly.com
You’d like a few suggestions for gorgeous Alsatian wines to pair with some of your favorite cheeses? How about the (obvious) article, Wines from Alsace and Cheeses for Pairing?
Planning an authentic French pique-nique?
Explore Exquisite Beaujolais and pour a glass of glorious wine from
Beaujolais for pairing with the perfect al fresco lunch. You’re guaranteed to have an “ah-ha” moment (or two…), not unlike those I had during my trip to Beaujolais last year.
What’s not to love about the iconic wines of
Bordeaux? There are a plethora of styles and price points from which to choose and these wines are considered the best in the world. Although I’ve written about many Bordeaux wines and experiences, you may want to find
Approachable Bordeaux from Crus Bourgeois du Médoc for your Bastille Day festivities.
If you think all wines from
Bourgogne are out of your price range, think again. I had an enlightening chat with Anne Moreau, Co-President of the Bourgogne Wine Board’s Communication Committee, when she was in Chicago. We tasted exceptional wines as our discussion surrounded quality and affordability of the region’s selections. You’ll savor the suggestions in
All Wine from Bourgogne is Expensive? Mais Non!
Every
Chablis lover will crave a platter of oysters on the half shell once the wine is poured. I love them, too! However, after reading
Beyond Oysters: What (other) Foods Pair with Chablis?, I know you’ll discover something just as delicious to complement that mineral-driven Chablis you just poured!
Ahhh,
Champagne. I had a sparkling conversation with Alice Paillard of Maison Bruno Paillard and tastes of incredible wines for every occasion… perhaps on July 14? Aptly titled,
Champagne and Conversation with Alice Paillard, I guarantee you’ll find the perfect bubbly for Bastille Day!
One day, I’d love to explore the
Côte du Rhône and take a relaxing cruise on the Rhône River while sampling wines from the region, of course! In the meantime, how about we virtually
Cruise the Rhône – One Sip at a Time? This dream trip offers stunning suggestions for wines you’ll want to pour right now!
When Wink Lorch, expert on wines from the
Jura (and so many other things), conducted a master class on the region in Chicago, I was thrilled. Having tasted the wines only once, I learned more as
Wink Gives a Nod to Jura Wine – The Discovery Begins. Begin your discovery!
When I consider each experience I’ve had in France, I always remember my happy-go-lucky feeling when I’m sipping wine, savoring delicious food and, in full disclosure, purchasing the perfect shoes that exude French chic! It’s your turn to have that feeling with selections from the
Languedoc. When you taste
Wines from Gérard Bertrand – Expect Joie de Vivre with Every Sip. You’ll know exactly what I mean.
I had the pleasure to explore the many flavorful wines of the
Loire Valley with Arnaud Saget who shared selections from his family’s winery, Saget le Perrière. Discover the nuances of the vast region of the Loire Valley and so many wonderful wines to pair with luscious dishes in the article
A Wine Journey Through the Loire Valley with Arnaud Saget.
I’m already looking forward to a fall trip to
Provence where culture, landscape and wines are guaranteed to delight. As further “research” prior to the visit, I’ll be pouring beautiful rosés, having been inspired by
Chateau de Berne & Ultimate Provence Rosé and Lunch with Winemaker Alexis Cornu. If you love Provence, consider these wines a crucial addition to your Bastille Day celebration.
The wines of
Southwest France may be some of the most delicious and affordable wines you’ll sip. You may have already had a few of these choices, but others may be new to you. Check out my articles,
Wines from Southwest France – Unique, Delicious, Affordable or
Winning! The Wines of Southwest France, about Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards Wine Region of the Year 2017.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
