Product Description

This book takes readers on an informative and picturesque stroll through the sun-drenched regions of the south of France, which in the past 15 years has dramatically revamped its wine-growing and vinification procedures. As experts like Robert Parker begin to take notice, many wine enthusiasts are flocking to this beautiful region where they can explore the wineries firsthand and take advantage of the unusually affordable prices while they last. Each region, with its own quaint village, is photographed through the changing seasons, and the most prestigious estates are explored in detail. From white wine to red, from subtle to full-bodied, the expert makers of these new-generation wines invite us to share in their passion.

In addition to complete information about the region and its vineyards, Fine Wines from the South of France provides practical information like ideal food matches for the region's delicious wines. For example, the Muscat of Banyuls and Maury, often enjoyed as an aperitif, is the perfect accompaniment to tantalizing chocolate desserts. From the Queen of Denmark's vineyard in Cahors, to the rosés of Provence, and the fortified wines of Corsica, southern France offers a diverse array of wines for all occasions.

The regions and wines detailed in this book include: the southwest (Buzet, Cahors, Irouléguy, Juranýon, Madiran), Languedoc (Costières de Nîmes, Muscat, Minervois, Cabardès, Corbières), Roussillon (Banyuls, Collioure, Maury), southern Rhône valley (Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise), Provence (Bandol, Cassis, Côtes de Provence, Palette), and the idyllic island of Corsica (Muscat du Cap Corse, Patrimonio).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1095898 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-10
• Released on: 2005-05-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

From Publishers Weekly
These heartbreakingly beautiful photos create a virtual tour of the world's most desirable wine territory; crisp inset detail photos tempt readers with bottles just pulled from their cellar-tombs, each begging for a corkscrew. Although French wine insider Hernandez offers nuanced information on region-specific wines, even the neophyte enthusiast can benefit from her extraordinary explanations of wine characteristics and food accompaniments. She explores the wines of Languedoc, Roussillon, Southern Côtes-du-Rhône, Provence and Corsica, always encouraging readers to seek out lesser-known vineyards and appellations. The author's flair for sketching the personalities of vintners further sets the book apart. Here, the author fleshes out Monsieur Parcé of Banyuls: "...he lectures...about the wine known as L'Oublié, produced thanks to the discovery of a forgotten barrel.... This father of nine is indifferent to the vagaries of fashion and rejects the idea of being the creator of his wines. As far as he is concerned, they are part of history." The book's most helpful element is the extensive "Useful Addresses" section in the back, which provides contact information for hotels, restaurants and chateaux in each region covered. Perfect for readers planning a wine trip to France (Hernandez provides several itineraries) or those merely fantasizing about such an excursion, the book spilleth over with behind-the-grape-press secrets.
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About the Author
Florence Hernandez is a journalist specializing in the world of wines and the art of living. A native of Bordeaux, she is an authority on the estates of the southwest and the southeast of France.