I grew up in South Australia's Wine Country, and have always been impartial to a visit to the wineries in Australia. I have done some wine tasting in California too, but in my trips to france I've not yet arranged any local wine tastings at the wineries (although have enjoyed lovely French wine in the restaraunts of France). So I'm left to try the French wines imported to Australia. So on this, the last weekend of Paris in July, I'm treating myself to some wine from Les Vignobles Francaise. I started last night with a bottle of Paul Mas 2008 Merlot from le Pays D'Oc, in the departement of Languedoc in the south of France.
It was a really nice fruity red with the depth and richness I needed on a cold wintery night home alone. As I sat back to enjoy the wine with my simple meal of steamed home grown veggies, I searched out a little information about Paul Mas. I discovered he is a wine maker I already knew. He makes a very affordable and drinkable range called the Arrogant Frog (or in English here). We have this quite a bit at our French classes - and we just love the label design.
Looking around the Paul Mas websites, I enjoyed the chance to read the french, but even more so, loved the pictures I found. There's something ever so regal about the french wine aristocracy. Don't you just love this Chateau? 
and it's location is just stunning....
So while I'm not in France, but wishing to enjoy a little bit of la vie Francaise, I'll keep a bottle of Paul Mas close at hand, and dream of the day I can actually visit the wineries of South France. Next week however, I have to make a presentation to my French class about somewhere I'd like to visit in France, and I will be presenting the Champagne Region and cooking a little Champagne Jelly as presented by Gabriel Gate on the Taste of the Tour for Stage 4 of this years Tour de France. I might share some of my presentation here later next week..
Mmmmm sounds like a great way to spend a night alone. We like the Arrogant Frog too, having had our first bottle ages ago when it was given as a gift one Christmas. I liked the frog's beret. Made me feel that someone in that House had a sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the champagne jelly, that's our tradition for Christmas, well, one of them. I set berries in the bottom sometimes. At last a use for the enormous space-invading Tupperware jelly mould.
Arrogant Frog, eh? Wonder if they import that to the States...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Love the "Arrogant Frog", in fact, I wish I had some right now. I feel so sad that this month is coming to an end, it's been a wonderful trip!! Thanks to both of your for putting this all together and for all the work you've done to make it a success!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Almost did one like this myself when I realized we had 3 different French wines to sample. Love the Arrogant Frog label!
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