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I was invited to the launch of the very private Wine Business Club Monte Carlo, and I could not say no – I shared this event with Guy Thomas Levy-Soussan president of Club Monaco, and we escaped to the terrace of the legendary Hotel de Paris to enjoy -moi: red wine from Provence Sainte-Victoire du Mas de Cadenet and he: a Champagne Laurent-Perrier rosé. I welcome the arrival of the Wine Business Club in Monte Carlo. This is a wonderful opportunity for business leaders of the wealthy Principality who will share their views on the economy in a more dynamic atmosphere sampling the magic of great wines and food in this enchanted place where each member may invite one or more associates to each theme dinner. Cheers – Isabelle

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.

On May 25th, Isabelle was interviewed by Vladimir Posner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Posner) and his Russian crew as a segment for one of their 10 one hour programs they are producing on French culture for Russia’s Channel One, which will be shown in primetime in 2010 for part of a French/Russian cultural exchange. For the interview Isabelle created a rosé wine tasting for friends that included every shade of rosé – from the selection of wines to the appetizers and desserts. Everyone enjoyed the smoked salmon, tarama, breadsticks from Italy along with home made jambon & fromage mousse petit fours and bowls of strawberries and strawberry mousse. The dessert cake and all the delectables were served on and in Verrerie de Biot pale pink tiny bubble plates and glasses (www.verreriebiot.com). The Verrerie de Biot, in the petit village of Biot not far from Mougins, is a must-visit if you are in or around the Cannes/Nice area. Not only is it a glass factory, but it has a museum, restaurant and showroom filled with beautiful glassware from Provence. The Russians shot there two days later. Even our comrades now enjoy beautiful table settings and great wine.

Last Sunday at Isabelle’s house, she hosted a typical Mediterranean Provençal lunch. Bagna Cauda – meaning warm bath – is a visually stunning presentation of raw vegetables, from artichokes to cauliflower, fennel, red peppers, potatoes, onions and even hard boiled eggs. The warm bath was a magical mystery brew of fresh garlic, milk, anchovies and oil and butter, kept warm like a fondue. The afternoon was spent dipping it all into the warm bath and drinking wine. The favorite was the dessert wine served with home-made chocolate cakes with orange marmalade on top. It was Cyprès de Climens 2006, Grand Vin du Sauternes, Barsac from Bordeaux – comparable with the far more expensive Chateau d’ YQuem.

Vendanges Blanches