Enological Tour de France
An Evening In Provence

March 19, 2004 6:30 to 10 pm
Hollywood School House, Woodinville

Vous êtes en Provence" declares a highway sign, someplace near the city of Orange, bearing symbols of a blazing sun and a parasol pine tree. A little farther on is Avignon, an elegant town that became home to the papal court in the 14th century. The sun is stronger, the light brighter and the air scented with lavender and thyme of the garrigues (wild countryside).

The former Provencia Romana (outpost of the Roman Empire along the French Riviera) covers five county-like departments, spreading from Nîmes (near the Rhône River) on the west to Nice (pronounced 'neece') near the Italian border. It is a region full of charming coastal towns and numerous fortified villages atop steep hills, with vineyards scattered throughout and touching the rocky edge of the Mediterranean Sea.

Vines have been grown here since the Greeks colonized Marseilles in the sixth century B.C. An enormous scope of wines are available from this area, which is comprised of several subregions. In recent years more appellations have been established. One of the smallest is Cassis, which was very early in this process designated in 1936 (the same time as Châteauneuf-du-Pape). There are dry and sweet white wines, red wines with considerable backbone, and the famed rosé or pink wines. These are dry wines, which possess various fruit and herbal characteristics. Nothing goes better with a leisurely midday meal on a shaded terrace!

Here the climate as a whole favors the vines with long hours of sunshine, sea breezes to temper the heat, and cool night air from the nearby mountains that helps offset the heat of the day. Then there is the famous Mistral, a wind with tremendous force, which has a drying effect and prevents rot in wet periods.

The soil is rather poor in most parts of this region making it ideal for vines and olive trees, which can be seen planted together on terraced hillsides. Rainfall normally comes in the spring and end of autumn. There are many viticulturists practicing organic methods in this area of France.
Grape varieties cover a wide spectrum of flavor profiles, from Syrah, Muscats, Rolle, Semillon, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsaut, Marsanne and Chardonnay. Interesting blends are created by talented winemakers in the various microclimates.
So, imagine yourself relaxing on a flowered patio with a menu of tempting dishes and wine offerings. You could be in any one of the famed ports of southeastern France. Perhaps in Cannes star watching around film festival time, or in St. Tropez watching the luxurious yachts pull in and out of the little port, or in Avignon in the bustling plaza in front of the Palais des Papes, or in the old part of Nice across from the flower market ablaze in color.

And join Enological Society members and guests as they, too, wrap themselves in the wine, food and culture for an Evening in Provence.
All wines tasted during the evening will be available for sale to attendees at the event.Save the Date! Mark you calendars for March 19 and share in the unique experience of An Evening in Provence. With special performing artists.

by Stephanie Ninaud

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