Provence Should Be At The Top Of Your Summer Bucket List
IT DOESN’T GET MORE IDYLLIC THAN THIS.
By Lindsay Cohn
For many travelers, Provence — the enchanting region that’s bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains — conjures images of sipping chilled rosé in a chic beach town along the French Riveria. But that’s just one side of this sun-drenched destination. The Luberon shows off a more pastoral picture of the South of France with lavender fields and historic hilltop villages. Provençal markets, vineyards, olive groves, and pine forests are abundant throughout. Besides small towns, visitors have the chance to visit lively cities like Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence. With so much to see and do, it can seem overwhelming to plan the *perfect* holiday — which is sort of antithetical since Provence itself has such a relaxed quality. In an attempt to make the lead-up to your trip almost as lovely as the vacation itself, we’ve put together an insider’s guide with standout spots to hit this summer (or in the future).
Wineries & Vineyards
Nothing says summer in Provence like rosé. Luckily, there are plenty of places to sip everyone’s favorite warm-weather vin. Starting with Chateau d’Esclans, the world-famous purveyor of Whispering Angel, and an all-around dream of a property that’s located to the northeast of Saint-Tropez.
WINE PRAGUE 2023, THE LARGEST PROFESSIONAL WINE EVENT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
April 18, 2023 – PRAGUE – The Wine Prague 2023 trade fair, the largest professional wine event in the Czech Republic, will take place at the PVA EXPO PRAGUE exhibition center in Letňany from May 16 to 17. Traditionally, many exhibitors from the Czech Republic and abroad will be waiting for the visitors.
This year, the fair is awaiting interesting news that will be an attractive diversion for visitors, but at the same time it also builds on cooperation with traditional partners. “Of course, we cooperate with a very important professional professional organization in our country, i.e. the Association of Sommeliers of the Czech Republic, which will have its own program at the fair. This year too, visitors will have access to Czech glass of the highest world quality for wine tasting. The partner of the fair is the Květná 1794 glassworks for the second time, thanks to which the participants will be able to taste several types of high-quality glasses intended for different styles of wines. We have newly partnered with the very prestigious San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna mineral waters, which will be available during all organized tastings for winemakers and other exhibitors, as well as for purchase by trade fair visitors, The essential novelty of this year’s fair will be a special tasting zone located right in the main hall, where a number of extremely interesting presentations, seminars and masterclasses will take place. We can already mention, for example, two tastings organized by the National Wine Center on the topic of important domestic varieties under the baton of national sommelier Klára Kollárová, as well as the presentation of the most prestigious still wines from the LVMH portfolio as well as top rosé from Provence from the world-famous Château d’Esclans.
For an award-winning and superlative Italian degustation dinner, make a reservation at Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin
Arguably the finest dining experience in Bali, this Michelin-worthy restaurant at Bulgari Resort Bali comes with sunset aperitivos, endless ocean views and a world-class repertoire…
For gourmands around the globe, Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin needs no introduction. The original Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin restaurant opened in Tokyo in 2009, helmed by the world-famous Michelin-starred executive chef, Luca Fantin. Well, this opulent dining destination has a second home right here in Bali, within one of the finest clifftop establishments on the island: the breathtaking Bulgari Resort Bali.
Sitting on the gravity-defying Uluwatu clifftops, Bulgari Resort Bali is renowned for unparalleled levels of service and immeasurable luxury, so it’s fitting that such a spectacular name in hospitality would host such refined gastronomy as Luca Fantin’s. And with just 36 seats in the house, Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin is just as intimate and exclusive.
This dinner-only venue specialises in contemporary and creative interpretations of classic Italian cuisine. You can choose from five- or seven-courses of impeccably plated creations, served up in the semi-open-air venue surrounded by soft lighting, lush foliage and a captivating reflection pool. Optional wine pairing is also available (and highly recommended), where fine vintages from around the world are seamlessly matched with each delicate course. You’ll want to dress to impress here, and be sure to arrive early for the pre-dinner Aperitivo Hour, where complimentary Italian canapés are served alongside an award-winning cocktail list and a fiery Bali sunset.
Aperitivo Hour at The Bulgari Bar
While the multi-course degustation dinner at Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin is certainly the main event, we say, arrive early and settle in for sunset at The Bulgari Bar for the nightly Aperitivo Hour. Inviting both in-house and outside guests with reservations to the cliff’s edge, The Bulgari Bar hosts this true Italian aperitivo tradition each evening from 6pm to 7pm. Beautifully perched on the Uluwatu cliff, the bar soaks in an uninterrupted and elevated view of the Indian Ocean below, serving complimentary Italian bites alongside signature cocktails and fine wines.
And in true Bulgari fashion, the bar is unequivocally classy, with the focal point being the sleek, curved black resin bar counter (inspired by the design of the Bulgari Hotel bar in Milan) which is centred by an impressive naturally-sculpted stone as the centrepiece. As the sun begins to dip beneath the ocean horizon, this magical Aperitivo Hour draws to a close, signalling the start of the sensational Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin experience that follows…
The elevated Luca Fantin experience
Being the Michelin-starred chef that he is, Luca Fantin’s sophisticated cuisine is world-renowned. His flagship masterpiece in Tokyo earned its esteem thanks to its unwavering attention to detail, the delicate use of the freshest and finest ingredients from around the world, and the precise presentation for which it’s served. And you’ll be pleased to know that none of the Luca Fantin finesse has been lost at this Bali venture.
The Menù Degustazione (AKA the degustation menu) is a five- or seven-course masterpiece with optional wine pairing, showcasing a regularly changing lineup of stellar dishes according to the seasons. You can, however, always expect to see some of Luca Fantin’s mainstay signatures on the menu, like the iconic squid-ink cold spaghetti crowned by a slick of caviar, or the charcoal-grilled beef, seared table-side with eggplant, olives and capers.
Whatever the season, and whichever set menu you choose, the magic of Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin is in its delicate simplicity, where the refined techniques of European gastronomy coalesce in perfect harmony with the freshness and pure excellence of each ingredient, letting the exemplary quality shine through. For Luca Fantin, it is the knowledge and respect of each ingredient that truly sparks his creativity, using Bali’s seasonal bounty as the muse for his modern Italian cuisine.
The Menù Degustazione
We were lucky enough to secure a hot-seat at this sought-after dining destination, so we of course pushed the boat out with the seven-course degustation menu with fine wine pairing. The dinner began with a spectacular lineup of amuse bouche, each one looking almost too spectacular to eat. This swiftly followed by an exquisite scallop carpaccio, with a subtle zest from the citrus marinade and a soft sweetness from corn jus.
Unsurprisingly so, the signature cold spaghetti with caviar was a standout, as were the distinguished bites of miniature ravioli with red paprika consommé – a classic Italian favourite elevated to an entirely new level. The seafood continued to impress, with the fine lobster risotto that’s vibrant, citrusy and stunningly presented.
The wine pairing was equally spectacular, poured into fine flutes of imported Italian glassware. Fine Italian wines, like the 2019 Tormaresca Chardonnay from Apulia, dominate the menu, with other European favourites like the 2020 Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé from Cotes de Provence, France.
Last but certainly not least, the parade of desserts were nothing short of an art form. We tried the decadent chocolate tortino, with the Bulgari’s logo gold-branded on the shell, crowned by gold flakes and topped with coffee ice cream and a vanilla sauce. It was dishes like these, and the impeccable evening as a whole, that makes it strikingly obvious why Bulgari Resort Bali and Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin have earned such an impeccable repertoire. Compliments to the chef indeed…
Your Guide to the Best Events at Miami Art Week and Art Basel 2022
By Kyle Munzenrieder
… some highlights of the week to not miss:
18th Street, Miami Beach Miami Beach Cleanup | Château d’Esclans
The Beach Cleanup x The Surfrider Foundation:
On Monday, November 28th at 10AM, Château d’Esclans will host a Beach Cleanup with our Ocean Friendly Rosé “The Beach by Whispering Angel” in partnership with The Surfrider Foundation.
Not A Test is our three-day tour of what’s next in hip-hop. Come dream all day and dance all night.
By Katie Way
November 23, 2022, 7:00pm
It’s that time of the year again: Art Basel Miami Beach. Sultry and sun-kissed Miami Beach is a handy cure for the pre-winter blues, and Art Basel is home to the most exciting modern and contemporary works visiting galleries from five continents have to offer. It’s the perfect place for some stimulating conversation about the state of the art world.
Fit check with Styling Hip-Hop
When: December 2, 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Art Basel’s street style is notorious—and hip-hop’s influence on the incredible looks people pull every year is undeniable. That’s why we’re hosting a panel on the future of hip-hop styling, a conversation that’s more urgent than ever now that the high fashion world finally acknowledged the command hip-hop has over the concept of cool. For the final Not a Test Panel, sponsored by Chateau d’Esclans, Kimberly Drew will moderate a conversation between creative director Jerome LaMaar, the mind behind the 2020 launch of Ivy Park x Adidas; stylist and visual consultant Talia Bella, who also modeled in Yeezy Season 3 and 4; and Shannon Stokes, the illustrator, designer, creative director, and stylist who styled Rihanna’s iconic, spike-haired Paper Magazineshoot in 2017.
I cover the indulgence of all things distilled, fermented and brewed.
Rosé is often thought of as a summer or spring wine, but it’s actually a great transitional wine from summer to winter, aka, fall. It’s also a versatile wine in terms of food pairings, which makes it perfect for Thanksgiving. Here’s a roundup of some delicious wines to pair with your turkey and sides.
If you like Whispering Angel, then you’ll LOVE Rock Angel Rosé. ROCK ANGEL
Château D’Esclans Rock Angel, $42.99
With a greater intensity and more richness than Whispering Angel, Rock Angel pairs well with so many dishes. Try pairing it this Thanksgiving with turkey and all its fixings.
Dry rosé wines are produced all around the world in many wine regions using countless varieties of red grapes. Historically, a summer patio or outdoor café in Provence were the places to find rosé drinkers. Now, they are a year-round favorite.
Rosé wines have been the fastest growing category of wine consumption in the last few years with the number of rosé wine brands multiplying. What is not to like? Savoring the flavors and aromas of red grapes in a chilled glass at any time of the year is my idea of a great happy hour. Moreover, a rose’ wine is also a nice Thanksgiving choice when paired with the typical Thanksgiving meal dishes.
The Benchmark for Rosé: Provence, France
The most well-known rosé wine brands come from Provence in the South of France.Provence rosé history goes back to the Romans invading Gaul (France) in the first century BCE. Some of the early rosé wines were called “claret” for having such a clear red/pink color.
In the 19th century, tourists started to flock to the Cote d’Azur to go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, relaxing on the beautiful beaches with a chilled glass of rosé. These local wines became a symbol of glamour, leisure, and summer, now enjoyed around the year.
A wine like Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel is an example against which many people measure other rosé wine brands. Whispering Angel is the #1 selling imported wine from France with a production of 3.2M bottles. It is probably the greatest wine brand to come out of France in 20 years. The pale color comes from just a touch of red grape skin contact. Find this wine:
Whispering Angel is made from the grapes of Rolle (Vermentino) along with Grenache and Cinsault, all well-known grapes in the South of France. Since Rolle or Vermentino are white grapes, this rosé can also be classified as being a blend of red and white grapes. The Rolle give Whispering Angel a nice touch of floral pizazz. Whispering Angel has an even more expensive, prestigious sister: Garrus. This wine is made of Grenache grapes that are aged 12 months in French oak barrels. It is an ultra-premium wine selling for $125 to $130 and may be one of the most expensive non-sparkling dry rosé wines in the world. Find: 2019 Chateau d’Esclans Garrus Rose.
Château d’Esclans releases 2021 vintage of Rock Angel
By Anne Krebiehl MW
Bertrand Léon, winemaker and technical director at Château d’Esclans, introduces Rock Angel as “perfect for Whispering Angel fans that want to take their love of Provence rosé to the next level.”
Singular success
Château d’Esclans in Provence was founded in 2006 by Sacha Lichine with the sole aim of producing a premium brand that would elevate Provençal rosé across the globe. He made 130,000 bottles of Whispering Angel in 2006 – by now millions of bottles of Whispering Angel are made each year, across several wineries. Sacha Lichine thus proved his point – he created a premium brand of Côtes de Provence rosé that is a global success.
Points of difference
Rock Angel, is one step upfrom Whispering Angel: it is made from the fruit of older vines of an average age of about 20 years, all grown inLa Motte, the area immediately surrounding the picturesque château. It is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle. Roughly a third of Rock Angel is fermented and aged in large 600-litre oak barrels called demi-muid. The wine matures on the spent yeast from the fermentation and throughout its maturation, these yeasts are stirred which gives a creamier mouthfeel and supple texture to the wine. Léon says Rock Angel “offers a more complex and structured taste profile” and thus is ideal for the changing season. Chicken pie and vegetarian stew are named as ideal autumnal pairings for the wine.
There is an initial hint of hazelnut and creaminess on the nose that precedes both lemon and red berry tones. The palate picks up the creaminess that is suggested on the nose and fills the mouth with textured lemony freshness. This is concentrated and rich, yet with a lovely pink grapefruit pithiness and real verve to make the mouth water on the long finish. 92 Points
Pricier in Pink: the Fight to Charge More for Rosé
Rosé wines are enjoying an extraordinary boom, but they are still struggling to command premium prices. But, as Roger Morris discovers, this situation is starting to change.
Excerpt from An Interview Published on October 31, 2022
Le Jardinier Debuts Summer Garden with New Happy Hour and Sunday Brunch Offerings
Miami Design District’s hidden gem and Michelin-starred French American eatery, Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection, offers a summer garden experience in collaboration with Whispering Angel and Château d’Esclans.
Le Jardinier’s summer happy hour, available Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, transports guests to the French Riviera with themed cocktails, summer dishes, rosé pairings, and music inspired by the Côte d’Azur’s favorite summer beach clubs.
Le Jardinier’s refined yet approachable Sunday Brunch menu, available from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, offers seasonal dishes with local ingredients, curated by Executive Chef James Friedberg. Start with the popular Golden Beet Salad, choose from a variety of sustainable seafood entrees, and share a delicious dessert – with a range of plant-based, gluten-free and vegan options to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The limited-time Sunday Magnum bottles – Whispering Angel ($70), Rock Angel ($120), and Garrus ($250) – will whisk guests away to the south of France as they sip rosé in the Château d’Esclans garden of roses. Le Jardinier’s modern, light-filled space and lush outdoor dining in its summer garden invite celebrations of every kind. Follow @lejardiniermiami for more details.
