Living in New York for almost 7 years now, I’ve done a lot of things, but until last Tuesday, I’d never ridden on one of those double-decker tourist buses across Manhattan. Further, I’d never ridden on a double-decker tourist bus wearing a 1920’s-style straw hat (a la Jean Luc Bressons), serenaded by a 1920’s-style, French jazz quintet, sipping bottomless glasses of fine French wine. I would say my New York City experience is finally complete. Ironically, it was the South of France that gave this New Yorker one of her favorite “Big Apple” experiences to date. And let me tell you, the Flatiron building has never looked so fabuleux!
My (straw) hat goes off the the folks at Sud de France who put this event together. An embassy of sorts, devoted to the promotion and enjoyment abroad of all things Southern French, Sud de France organized the fete to celebrate the launching of their summer Sur de France Festival. The 2nd Annual event will be a series of programs aiming to bring “warm Mediterranean vibes to New York” through collaborations with consumers, restaurants, bars, and retailers, highlighting Sur de France wine and food with tastings, events and educational exhibitions around the city. The festival programs, unlike this launch, will be open to the public (keep checking the Socially Superlative website for event postings).
I have been lucky enough to receive the gracious hospitality of Southern France on several trips to the region. This evening proved that they’ve brought the warm welcome and impish, fun spirit to New York with great success. Our mobile party made several stops–first, at Cafe Noir in Soho, then Casimir in the East Village, and finishing the night at Fada in Williamsburg (and yes! Crossing the Williamsburg bridge in a double-decker bus was something of a thrill. As was careening down the BQE, the tuba player gleefully booming over the traffic noise).
Each restaurant greeted our heady group of revelers in the true French style: full glasses of regional wine and tables overflowing with delicious Mediterranean bites, including tapas style tortilla, fantastic cheeses, hot, garlic baked oysters and crusty baguette. My only regret is, in my enthusiastic enjoyment, I forgot the names of the vast procession of fabulous wines. Thankfully, there’s the whole series of events in June to jog my memory!
– Ava Fedorov
For a complete list of all the wines from the tour, check out the list below!
Château Ollieux Romanis ‘’Cuvée Alice’’ AOC Corbières 2007
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 11.99 GRAPES : 70 % Carignan, 30 % Grenache noir
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanchet magalie@wineberry.com
Château Ollieux Romanis ‘’Cuvée Alice’’ AOC Corbières 2007
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanchet magalie@wineberry.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 12.99 GRAPES : Grenache Noir, Carignan, Syrah
Domaine Maby ‘’Variations’’ AOC Cotes du Rhone 2008
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanche magalie@wineberry.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 13.99 GRAPES : Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Clairette
Domaine Maby ‘’La Fermade ’’ AOC Lirac 2008
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanche magalie@wineberry.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 12.99 GRAPES : Grenache Noir, Carignan, Syrah
Domaine La Croix Belle ‘’ Le Champ du Coq’’ VdP des Cotes de Thongue 2008
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanchet magalie@wineberry.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 14.99 GRAPES : Grenache, Viognier
Domaine La Croix Belle ‘’ Le Champ des Lys ’’ VdP des Cotes de Thongue 2009
IMPORTER : Wineberry America : Magalie Blanchet magalie@wineberry.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 9.99 GRAPES : 100% Pinot Noir
Mont-Tauch, ‘’Le Village du Sud ’’ Vin de Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir 2007
IMPORTER : USA Wine West for Mont-Tauch : Benoit Ferre b.ferre@mont-tauch.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 9.99 GRAPES : 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan
Les Deux Rives, Rouge, AOC Corbieres 2008
IMPORTER : Pasternak Imports : Susanne-Anne Cosgrove : sacosgrove@pasternakwine.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 9.99 GRAPES : 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Cinsault
Les Deux Rives, Rosé, AOC Corbieres 2009
IMPORTER : Pasternak Imports : Susanne-Anne Cosgrove : sacosgrove@pasternakwine.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 34.99 GRAPES : 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Cinsault
Château d’Aussières, AOC Corbières 2006
IMPORTER : Pasternak Imports : Susanne-Anne Cosgrove : sacosgrove@pasternakwine.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 36.00 GRAPES : 100% Chardonnay
From The Tank, Domaine de La Patience, Chardonnay VdP du Pont du Gard (3 Liter Box Wine)
IMPORTER : Jenny and Francois Selections : Jenny Lefcourt jenny@jennyandfrancois.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 11.99 GRAPES : 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Les Fontanelles, Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2009
IMPORTER : A.I.G. Wine Imports : Leila Awad lgoldberg@lipsimport.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 13.99 GRAPES : 100% Chenin Blanc
Château Rives-Blanques, ‘’Dedicace’’ AOC limoux 2008
IMPORTER : Demontoux Selections : Bertrand Demontoux : bertrand@demontouxfinewines.com
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 15.99 GRAPES : 100% Chardonnay
Château Rives-Blanques, ‘’Odyssée ’’ AOC limoux 2008
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE : $ 15.99 GRAPES : 100% Chardonnay
IMPORTER : Demontoux Selections : Bertrand Demontoux : bertrand@demontouxfinewines.com
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