I have been in France now for a little over a week.  While I have not ventured out on my own, I have had a busy few days.  First let’s start with all the champagne these Frenchies drink, Oh La La.  Since you’re new to French the question above, ”Est-ce que tu aime du Rosé?” Is simply asking, Would you like some Rosé? 

So, many of you are wondering where I am, so let’s talk for a minute about where I am exactly and then I’ll tell you a bit about the wine in this region.   I am in France.  France is in Europe.   I think we’re all clear on that.  When I say I am living in France, people naturally assume that it’s Paris.  But I am far from it.   Observe, if you will, the map:

    I live in Toulon, which is in the south eastern part of France. The area is known as Provence, or the Cote d’Azur or the French Rivera.  We are situated right on the Mediterranean sea to the right of Marseille.  My apartment is in a little place called La Seyne sur Mer.  

Some of you are familiar with the area because it is close to places you know, like St. Tropez and Monaco and Cannes where they hold the film festival every year. 

Toulon is known for its large military port, which is the French Navy’s war port for all of the Mediterranean, is also a marina for private boats, and the embarkation spot for places like Corsica and Sardinia.  Toulon is also bordered by Mont Faron(542m,) in the background, which is seen here to the far right.  It’s a rather squared off  flat Mont as you can see: 

Some of you might know the region because it was heralded but some very well known painters like Cezanne who painted in Aix-en-Provence and thought it had the most beautiful light in the world.  Here are a couple of paintings of Cezanne which give you a good idea about the colors here in the south.

                           

Okay, so now we’re getting to the topic at hand, the Rosé.  And I know you know what I am talking about…Yes, pink wine.  In recent years it’s practically been forbidden in the States to drink it because it’s consider unsophisticated wine.  Please don’t be alarmed. This is not White Zinfandel or Grenache, Alors! This is the real deal, and it’s the celebrated drink in the south of France.  It’s everywhere and the French are often found drinking it in abundance.   And, I can be found drinking it for lunch and dinner now. 

It is slowly becoming more chic in the states and you can typically find good ones at stores like Whole Foods and other gourmet grocery stores. 

 So, let’s have a quick Rosé lesson.  It’s called Rosé because, well, it’s pink.  And, Rosé is the word for pink in French.  See, you’re already learning French.  It is served well chilled on a summer’s day or any day really, (I mean you’re in France do you really need a reason to drink?) and is a great light wine for warm summer evenings;  And, it is a great match for just about any food.  Now, when you think Rosé you are probably thinking, sweet.  But don’t, because that isn’t the case.   They are light though, and are considered to have low to medium amounts of alcohol which lends itself to drinking lots!

Want to know more about rosés?  Try a few of these websites and articles: www.drink-pink.com, http://www.taunton.com/finecooking/pages/c00070.asp , www.rose-wine.com

More later on French customs and culture around drinking…

 À bientôt

Michelle