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Christopher Strong -The Bicycle Gourmet’s – Christmas Wine Vine – Part One
Bicycle Gourmet‘s Christmas Wine Vine is the most memorable title my tiny brian could produce, for a (Sadly, there is no other word) “roundup” of some great wines for Christmas. Which, of course, unless you leave them uncorked for a year, are good all year.
My irregular readers will recall I shone the BG spotlight on Organic wine in this post.
This time around, in the spirit of all wines for all drinkers, I’ll be shining the BG wine light on Organic,Biodynamic and Vegan wines. Not all from France. (But those that aren’t wish they could be, of course.)
First up:
2011 albet-i-noya-marti-reserva
A wine with character and fine aromas from its ageing. Hints of crushed and preserved fruit, creamy oak, fine cacao and aromatic coffee with mineral and balsamic notes. In the mouth it is full-bodied, well structured with ripe tannins and a long finish.
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Ull de llebre, Merlot
Next Wine treasure:
2013 Camparo Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Typical characteristics of Nebbiolo; scents of purple, pink and red fruits, combined with hints of the stems left in part of the must. The palate expresses its strong character with a gentle hand; strong but balanced tannins and an almost sweet finish. Classically paired with rich lamb or veal dishes. Also try with aged cheeses. Note: This wine also qualifies for the VEGAN category.
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Rounding out the roundup :
2019 Terra Costantino de Aetna Etna Blanco
Inviting, delicate aromas of fresh citrus and savory herbs. Medium-bodied on the palate. A perfect match with fish and poultry dishes or risotto.
Varietals: 80% Carricante, 15% Catarrato, 5% White
BIO WINE – coming youer happily liquid way in Part Two
October Walnuts
October Walnuts– They’re all over the place. In October. As I mentioned in my last post. Along every country road. Or lane where a walnuter hangs over fence. Free for the gathering.
And, unlike cherries or other “found ” fruit, the walnuts of October, have a longer(non-shelf) life. Nestled under leaves and tall grass. Good news for dedicated walnut gatherers, as the non – dedicated simply scoop up the obvious.
Walnuts, and October have a special place in DA BG’s heart. And you’re about to learn why: (p.s. if you hate walnuts – leave this page now!)
Our(yes, I must say it) Nutty tale begins one especially cold French October, as I was considering my “escape to the Sun” options.
There were three choices: Spain, Morocco, or Greece.
Spain was the primary contender. Warmer(in the “deep south” closest to Morrocco) and closest. Sadly, at that time, I was not reading Lorca in the original text. My Spanish then being definitely “no bueno.”
Morrocco got the axe because of the limited availabilty of Wine. Yes, they do produce it. But not a lot. And not with many choices.
Greece, despite the distance was looking “pas trop mal” until I discovered that the boats I envisioned ferrying me to my Greek island of choice, were sleeping in their slips in winter.
Yes, I was between a rock and a hard place. And, yes, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn.”
The dawn in this case being a friend who piped up with: “Hey – why not New Zealand?”
While at first I poo-poohed this well meaning suggestion owing to the distance (not to mention the airfare) the more I listed the Kiwi features and benefits, the mo beddah it looked.
1. Climate similar to Spring in Hawaii(on the North island)
2. Speak English.
3. Produce many varities of excellent wines
4. the USD, at that time, was King. Not the wimpy court jester it is now.
Now that the “rock” had been removed, the “hard place” was the airfare. None I checked were remotely “cheap and cheerful.”
And that’s when luck appeared. (And of course i invited her in). Luck being an airline who, without prior fanfare had decided to offer, what they called a “circle Pacific” ticket.Which meant you could “circle the pacific” for six months So,I could visit New Zealand,Figi,Thailand, the Cook Islands, then zip back to Paris. As long as I did the deed within six months.
Best news – the airfare was hundreds lower than expected. So – destination done.
However, there was one “challenge” that remained. Transporting me, and my heavily laden bicycle in a box to the airport.
Happily, my guardian angel appeared in the form of my pal, and renowned French chef, Jean-Luc.
He offered to ferry me to “da plane” in his tiny compact(And yes, “tiny”was an understatement.)
So, at about 3am, after a short night in the bunk beds in the back of his restaurant, and, of course a smokin’ cuppa joe – we were airport bound.
Thats the good news. The bad was that owning to the fact that Jean-luc had to scurry back to Paris to prep the restaurant for opening, I had an abundance of Pre-flight time. 14 hours to be exact.
And it was during those 14 hours that water, and the Walnuts of October kept me from death’s door.
Now you understand why October Walnuts, and for that matter, walnuts of any season, have a place in my heart. And,bien sur, in my salad.
THROW ME A BONE HERE,PEOPLE!
WHAT ARE YA THINKIN’?
October in France
October in France. Good time to visit? Well, although October isn’t the season that France is on the minds of most travellers….it does have a few things going for it. But then, being a (adopted)native I most certaintly am predjudiced. And happily admit it.
For me, the major advantage to visiting France in the Fall, is the obvious one. Fewer people. But the reason for those few touristing folks is the weather. Not “sun tanning” warm. (except for the extreme south – the Riviera, etc. Where, take note, it’s not 24/7 sun.
The next big reason to mark Autumn in France on your voyaging calendar, is the fact that holidays(for the French) are over. Big people are back at work. Little(and regular sized) people went back to school in September. So, you gots da place to yourself.
Which means, no mile long queques at paid attractions. Restaurants and hotels, crushed with massive clients during summer, are more than happy to see you. And, often, they express that happiness, with lower rates, more personalized service, mini-bar refills, etc.
But the bottom line for visiting France in the Fall, is that all the places, all the monuments, all the ever changing countryside, is still there. Plus, on those country backroads, you’ll find chesnuts,walnuts, and in some regions, figs, ready for you to pick them up. But, er, not take them back home. Unless you’re jonesin’ for trouble at customs.
Adding to all that – October in France is the season for the “Foire au Vin” – the fair of wine. which translates as “supermarkets roll out a massive selection of wines at all price ranges, hoping that their “buy a case, get the other free” sales strategy will add to their bottom line.
The Autumn atmosphere of the “Foire au Vin” flourishes throughout La Belle France. Not just at supermarkets. This means if you visit vingernons during October in France, you could be getting some tasty wines that never appear in supermarkets. Usually at wallet friendly price.
Reasons enough for a French October Visit?
THROW BE A BONE HERE,PEOPLE
WHAT ARE YA THINKIN?
