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The largest of the Provencal ‘Crus Classés’ vineyards is reborn.

The Domaine is blessed with a unique ‘’terroir’ on the St. Tropez peninsula, and it lived up to its promise at its re-opening on June 15. Owner Vincent Bolloré has won his bet – it is possible to return to authentic wines using the extensive modern techniques he has invested in his cellars and vineyards.

Michel Rolland, one of France’s most famous winemakers, participated in La Croix’s revival. From the planting of the vines to the blending of the different vintages, his skillful eye closely monitored each step…

The diverse variety of grapes on this sublime terroir, combined with the perfect control of the vinification and aging processes, obtained an aromatic wine filled with impressively rich and silky tannins. This area was directed by the capable the hands of two women, Pascale Andrieux, the director of operations, and Helena Sinaeve, the resident oenologist.

As a member of the jury of this festival (May 8, 9, 10) I discovered an incredible panorama of films on “vine and wine”, and I was surprised by the increasing quality of images and films. “Mondo Vino” opened the way, and currently there are more and more topics and a variety of formats: documentary, fiction, advertising, short, medium and long films. The panorama continues to broaden and become more international with the rising number of TV channels from around the world and the film industry.
“Vine and wine” films are finally going mainstream as high quality drama and theatrical arts are appearing on screens in France and abroad. The universe of these films, bring to life very real issues and conveys the emotion, beauty, humor and even ecological positions in our “vine and wine” world…Isabelle

Winner of the Grand Prize – “La Georgie pour l’amour du vin”

June 5, 2009
Many winemakers AOC “Côtes de Provence” were present at the Aqua Club on the famous Pamplone beach in Saint-Tropez on a beautiful sunny day, for a presentation of their new 2008 vintage of rosé wines. As always, there were very nice surprises with some great wines with very well developed rich flavors, but also some disappointments with wines that lacked aromatic complexity.
On the whole, the wines presented will be perfect for summer 2009.

After a delicious aioli lunch and delectable dessert the winegrowers spoke against the “rose cutting” (blending of white and red wines) that the EEC is trying to impose on Europe.

The news today…is Hooray for rosé!
Mariann Fischer-Boel waived the adoption by the EU with regards to the development of “rosé cutting” Michel Barnier, Minister of Agriculture french, has been engaged for several months in a dialogue with Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture to the EEC, and French wine professionals, to maintain the ban on combining white wine and red wine to make rosé wine without a geographical indication.
While the Committee had proposed lifting the ban, the French wine industry and the political deciders mobilized massively against such a project. With such a mobilization and serious economic arguments, Mariann Fisher Boel announced that it would not adopt “the “rosé cutting” manufacturing process.
Thanks to the rosé wines produced in their special way, France is the world’s largest producer of quality rosé wine…Isabelle

Situated in the north-western corner of the Bouches du Rhône, the Alpilles spread out like a golden triangle, from south of Avignon at its peak to the borders of the Camargue near Arles and the Crau plain, with mythical rivers on either side, the Rhône and the Durance. The area owes its name to the chain of small mountains, called the Alpilles. In May I traveled to the Alpilles where I am a member of the jury of the Prix Noel Michelin, for the competition of the wines of Baux, chaired by Pierre Masson, the famous biodynamic consultant. The contest is held at the Château Romanin biodynamic vineyard where the wine storehouse architecture is an underground cathedral.

In Baux, for several years, the winegrowers have been asking INAO for the official registration of their specifications of organic farming rules (close to 90% of the total area of vineyards are organic). After years of being refused, it seems that it is finally happening.

Jean Andre Charial is the owner of L’Oustau de Baumaniere, www.maisonsdebaumaniere.com, the world-class famous restaurant and mansion and also winemaker and president of the AOC. I enjoyed a delightful stay at the mansion where I was enchanted by the charm, comfort, and delicious food prepared by the luncheon chef…Isabelle.