Tour de France at Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux – an exquisite symphony of flavors and aromas

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux reopened its doors for one of the most exquisite annual events in its calendar – the Tour de France. The event, inspired by the rich wine traditions of France, combined elegance, a gourmet experience and a sophisticated atmosphere at the aEstivum restaurant.

The evening was dedicated to the harmony between first-class French wines and culinary masterpieces prepared by the exceptional chef Annette Teisch – the first female chef in France to become a member of the JRE since the association’s establishment in 1974.

Chef Annette Teisch – the lady who rewrote the rules in cooking

Chef Annette Teisch is a true pioneer in the world of gastronomy. Born and raised in Paris, she began her culinary career in some of the most prestigious restaurants in France, where she honed her skills in classic French cuisine. Her style combines innovation and respect for tradition, with seasonal produce, premium meats and impeccable craftsmanship at the heart of her dishes. In 1974, she became the first woman to be a member of Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE), a prestigious organization that brings together the most innovative and talented young chefs from across Europe. Today, she is not only an inspiration for future generations of chefs, but also an ambassador for contemporary French gastronomy.

JRE – the organization that sets the gastronomic standard in Europe

Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE) is an international association founded in 1974, which brings together some of the most talented and ambitious chefs in Europe. The philosophy of JRE is simple – passion for cooking, respect for tradition and a drive for innovation. The organization connects restaurants and chefs who offer exceptional gastronomic experiences based on high-quality products, creativity and perfectionism. JRE members not only set new culinary trends, but are also committed to creating sustainable and authentic gourmet experiences.

Culinary journey through France

The estate’s sommelier, Alexander Skorchev, selected a special selection of five exceptional French wines, each of which was masterfully paired with the evening’s menu. Guests had the pleasure of enjoying the following culinary symphony:

Provence : Anchovy spring rolls, rice popcorn, licorice

2021 Rose Garrus (Grenache & Rolle), Château d’Esclans, France, Côtes de Provence

The 10 Best Rosé Wines to Enjoy in Summer and Year-Round

Rosé wines are fantastic for sipping poolside, pairing with food, and enjoying year-round. Discover the best rosé wines for any budget here.

By Kristen Shirley

In just over a decade, rosé wine went from an afterthought to one of the most popular types of wine in the world, especially in summer. Rosé wines from Provence — and similar styles produced around the world — account for the majority of the best rosé wines, but there are actually several styles of rosé wine. Some are very delicate, pale pink wines with light flavors of red fruit and citrus, while others are dark pink, robust, and complex wines. You can learn everything about the different styles of rosé and the production process in our ultimate guide to rosé wine. While rosé is most popular during summer, the best rosé wines are worth considering year-round. Rosé wines are easy to pair with food and are a safe choice on many wine lists. Read on to discover the best rosé wines in the world.

What Is the Most Popular Rosé Wine in the World?

Many credit today’s obsession with rosé wine to winemaker Sacha Lichine, the mastermind behind Whispering Angel, the rosé that started it all in 2006. While Whispering Angel is still a wonderful rosé, it’s been surpassed by ultrapremium rosés from other producers, as well as at Château d’Esclans. Now, Whispering Angel ($25) is a solid, affordable rosé found around the world. It is accompanied in the portfolio by The Beach by Whispering Angel ($18) and The Pale by Sacha Lichine ($15), two easy-drinking rosés, and Rock Angel ($35).
But, Lichine also expanded the estate to focus on premium rosés, including Les Clans ($95) and Garrus ($125). Both are full-bodied, complex rosés with aging potential. This makes them great for pairing with food, such as lobster pasta, sushi, and grilled fish. While many rosés have light flavors, these wines are intense and powerful but still refreshing. Les Clans has a tropical and spicy palate, with notes of pineapple, ginger, and black licorice alongside raspberries and strawberries.
Lichine treats Garrus more like a Cru Classé white Burgundy, a type of Chardonnay, than a Provençal rosé. It’s made from the grapes of a single vineyard with ancient vines that are nearly a century old. (The older a vine is, the more concentrated and flavorful the grapes are.) The maison ferments and ages the wine in new large French oak barrels instead of stainless steel or concrete, which adds complexity, flavor, and texture. Garrus has notes of citrus, pear, peach, pineapple, and passion fruit. The maison describes it as “vintage Champagne without the bubbles.”