We’ve just flipped the calendars from July to August, and you know what that means – only a few weeks left to enjoy the relaxed pace of summer. But before we jump back into reality, let’s linger in our beach chairs dallying over the final plot twists of a book or watching a few more sunsets. There’s no hurry; after all, the refrigerator is stocked, … Continue reading Dinner Time and Wine: Three Pairings for Sparkling Rosé (#winepw)
Saturday’s race saw a young French rider, Lilian Calmejane, win his first stage in the Tour de France. I was on the edge of my seat watching him climb those last few kilometers, fighting his legs as they cramped up and threatened to quit. When he crossed the finish line 30 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, it seemed as if all of France rejoiced! But that’s nothing compared to what race organizers have planned for Sunday. Check out the profile map:
In all my years following the Tour, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stage with three HC climbs. In case you’re not familiar with cycling lingo, the hardest climbs are assigned a rating, with 4 being the “easiest,” 3 a bit harder; 2 harder still, and 1 among the most difficult. But then there is that last tier: Hors Catégorie (HC), or uncategorized, for ascents that are so tough they can’t be compared with the others. Continue reading “Will the Tour be Won Today? #TDF2017 Stage 9 Moves from the Jura to the Alps”
What’s your go-to plan for Mother’s Day weekend? My guess is that it involves brunch, a meal that is tailor-made for the holiday, giving Mom the perfect reason to get her hair done, don that new dress, and dote adoringly on her grandchildren. Maybe you’re going out, or maybe you’ve invited the family to your house for a mini reunion. If you’re hosting, I’ve got … Continue reading Spring Brunch: A Trio of Salads with Fresh Wines to Match (#WinePW)
This weekend affords wine lovers many excuses to celebrate with a glass of something delicious in hand. Friday, May 5th, best known to imbibing revelers worldwide as Cinco de Mayo, also happens to be Sauvignon Blanc Day. So if tequila shots chased by cold, Mexican beer aren’t your thing, why not pour yourself a few fingers of crisp Sauvignon Blanc? (Bonus points awarded if you’ve … Continue reading Happy Cinco de Giro Derby Day!
Just because it’s Tuesday and the boss kept you late doesn’t mean you have to settle for take-out or leftovers for dinner. If you’ve got a reasonably well-stocked pantry and some basic staples in the fridge, you can whip up something special in no time. Something wine worthy, in fact. Personally, I’ve got a bigger problem with the first criterion, as I find almost all … Continue reading At the Corner of #Dinner Time and #Wine: An Easy Weeknight Pairing that Won’t Break the Bank
There’s a reason French wines are held in such high esteem: for years they served as the benchmark against which all other wines were compared. After all, it was the infamous Judgment of Paris in which several American wines outshone their French counterparts that catapulted California wine onto the world stage. And, let’s face it: whichever wine first tempted us to explore the wonders of the … Continue reading A Feast for the Senses: Viognier and Indian Spices (#Winophiles)
The French #Winophiles are off and running this weekend, headed for destinations unknown. Yes, we will keep our focus on French wines, as usual. But this month we’ll scan the globe in search of delectable food pairings from other cultures. Are you ready to pack your bag and hit the road with us? Be sure to stash a few bottles of your favorite French wine … Continue reading Cross-Cultural Food Pairings for French Wine (#Winophiles)
