[Recipe] Halibut is in prime season! And it's excellent with this wine...

 

 

May Wine and Food Pairing

 

Each month we offer you a new pairing of a savory recipe with one of our extraordinary "undiscovered" wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon. 

It's our way of saying merci for joining us on this adventure into a region rich in history, beauty, innovative winemakers, and culinary treasures. 

This month we've paired a classic blend of white varietals, 2017 Eime De Vinhem, with a sumptuous Baked Halibut and Lemon Basil Aïoli recipe.

Halibut is in prime season until July, so enjoy the feast before it’s over!

Bon Appétit!

 

Featured Wine

 

 

Domaine Jougla
2017 Eime De Vinhem

Occitan for "Love of Wine," Eime De Vinhem  is a blend of Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier. The vines are situated within the ‘garrigue,’ so rosemary, fennel, and thyme contribute to the aroma. Expresses pear and white flower blossoms in the nose. Rich and generous in the mouth. Incredibly drinkable! 

 

Featured Recipe

 

 

Baked Halibut
with Lemon Basil Aïoli

Savor with Domaine Jougla
2017 Eime De Vinhem 

 

Get the Recipe

 

 

Additional Paring Note: Eime De Vinhem also goes well with cheese and crackers, or Chilled Oysters on the Half Shell with Yuzu Mignonette.

 

Wine Aging 101: Oak, Steel or Clay?

An innovative, yet ancient, wine aging method uses clay amphorae

 

As we've traveled the Languedoc-Roussillon in search of extraordinary winemakers, we've learned what it takes to create delicious, affordable, award-winning wines. (Reminder: our wine club is the easiest way for you to experience our discoveries).

When it comes to wine aging or "cellaring," both tradition and innovation are important. 

The main materials used for wine aging vessels are concrete, stainless steel, and wood. Each material has unique properties which influence the wine.

 

Different types of aging vessels at the cave of one of our new winemakers, 
Séverine Bourrier of Chateau de L’Ou. 

 

Stainless steel is completely hermetic (airtight). And while this risks reducing the wine during winemaking, the airtight environment preserves flavors.Stainless steel is often used for young wines with good fruit-expression.

Wood and concrete have a higher porosity and permit micro-oxygenation, which enhances the wine's development. Roundness and mouthfeel are preserved with both of these materials.

 

 

We can all conjure up the romantic image of wine aging in wooden casks. But among some winemakers, wood, particularly oak, is a controversial material! 

Both US and French winemakers use oak vessels for aging. But because of local farming practices, French oak grows more slowly than American oak. The result is a less porous wood that imparts a subtle oak complexity and "lifts" existing flavors. 

By contrast, oak-aged American wines have been called "dominant" and "aggressive" by French winemakers. The battle rages on!

Another approach to aging involves the amphora, an ancient shape used by the Romans for both aging and storage. The Romans used clay, but modern winemakers also use ceramic and wood. 

The shape of the amphora is as important as the material. Before aging, the shape encourages circulation during fermentation which helps gently extract the flavors and some tannins from the grapes.

 

Suggestion of how wine amphorae may have been stacked on an ancient galley. 
By Ad Meskens - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 
Source:Wikipedia

 

This summer the Princess and the Bear will welcome two wonderful new winemakers who use amphorae: Séverine Bourrier of Château de L’Ou and Stephane Yerle of Vila Voltaire.  Stay tuned for their beautiful wines!

 

 

Fabulous Moms Love Fabulous Wines

 

Does your Mom love truly delicious wine? At a great price? Organic and biodynamic? Fabulous wild terroir? Female winemakers? Of course she does!

Gift your Mother with an experience she can enjoy throughout the year—a Wine Club Membership from the Princess and the Bear. She'll explore a rich variety of wines from an area critics have called "the most exciting wine region of the whole of France." 

Membership benefits include:

Quarterly curated shipments of hard-to-find artisanal wines from our Amphora, Cathar or Mediterranean collections
Live video Q&A events with winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers
Food pairing recipes and tasting notes from a Languedoc expert
Option of all red or all white
Free shipping and 15% off individual bottles from our shop — anytime

Memberships start at $29/month (billed quarterly)

 

Treat Mom to the Wine Club

 

 

How We Notify Mom

After you've selected an Amphora, Cathar, or Mediterranean collection, enter your Mother's info on the Delivery/Shipping page. Select "Add a gift message or special instructions" to include a special message. 

 

Bonus Bottle: One of Our Best Whites

 

 

 

If you gift Mom a wine club membership, her first shipment will go out in June. But as a bonus, we're including an extra, early-ship bottle of 2017 La Diva Blanche (normally $36.99) which she'll receive toward the end of May.

La Diva Blanche has a rich complexity with notes of honey and fresh flowers and a subtle, elegant touch of oak. Heavenly!

 

 

 

This gorgeous Grenache Blanc was created by winemaker Lidewij van Wilgen of Terre des Dames. Lidewij is one of the women leading the winemaking renaissance in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, and is regarded as one of the top ‘Viticultrices’ by wine writer Jancis Robinson. 

 

Treat Mom to the Wine Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best way to boost your wine knowledge & enjoy high-quality affordable wines

 

 

Let Us Bring the SuperNatural South of France to You!

 

Choose from our Amphora, Cathar, or Mediterranean collections to receive quarterly curated shipments of hard-to-find, small batch, artisanal wines.

• Be the first to experience the undiscovered cuvées of the Languedoc-Roussillon 
• Attend live video Q&A events with winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers
• Receive food pairing recipes and tasting notes
• Customize your collection for all red or all white
• Memberships start at $29/month (billed quarterly)
• Complimentary shipping and 15% off individual bottles from our shop — anytime

 

Join the Club

 

If you’re already a club member we have some exciting news for you below about our upcoming shipments—and please share the news about our wine club with friends who don’t know yet about The Princess and The Bear. 

 

Many of our winemakers have embraced organic, biodynamic & chemical-free viticulture.
 

 

Our club is one of a kind. The Princess and The Bear is the only wine club focused exclusively on the Languedoc-Roussillon, described by wine critics as "the most exciting wine region of the whole of France." 

In a recent New York Times piece, Eric Asimov highlighted the incredible wines of Languedoc and the importance of knowing the right winemakers. That's where we come in! Our wines are curated with the assistance of award-winning wine purveyors, Richard and Linda Neville. Richard also chooses wines for sampling for the famous European wine critic and wine writer, Jancis Robinson. 

We also travel throughout the region, personally meeting winemakers and tasting hundreds of wines. The result — high caliber wines that are also affordable. 

 

Recipes for the perfect meal pairings are included with each wine 

Each quarterly shipment from our Amphora, Cathar, and Mediterranean Collections includes tasting notes from a Languedoc sommelier and recipes for delicious food pairings. 

Cathar and Mediterranean club members can boost their wine knowledge and ask questions during live video Q&A events with the Princess and the BearFounders, Carol and Steve, as well as guest sommeliers, winemakers, and chefs of the Languedoc region. 

Once a year, our Mediterranean club members can attend an Invitation-Only wine tasting evening in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Carol and Steve are joined by their sommelier, chef, and other wine-loving friends for an unforgettable evening of wine, cuisine, and culture.  

 

The Bear with one of our new winemakers, Simon Coulshaw of Domaine Trinites

 

Our next club shipment will be extra special because we're introducing several exciting new winemakers. Here are two of these bright stars:

Séverine Bourrier of Domaine Château de l’Ou is one of the women winemakers who is fueling the Languedoc wine renaissance. Château de l’Ou was recently touted as "A Rising Star in the Roussillon" by wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck. Our June shipment will contain her Syrah, Infiniment de l’Ou 2016, which Jeb describes as a "broad, expansive and supple" cuvée that "drinks well right out of the gate."

Simon Coulshaw of Domaine des Trinités was drawn to the Languedoc because he felt its pockets of “terroir” offered a better opportunity to create extraordinary wines than the more commercial wine producing regions. Our June shipment will contain his wine, Trinités l’imaginaire with Rousanne. This is a rare orange wine that's full-bodied, clean and intense with flavors of almonds, pears, and honey. 

What are you waiting for?! Join today and secure an Amphora, Cathar, or Mediterranean Collection in time for our June shipments.

 

Join the Club

 

 

Wild herbs and the light-filled wines of spring

 

Wild Rosemary in the Languedoc

 

Spring in the south of France, and the Languedoc-Roussillon, means a return of the light and the blossoming of spring herbs. 
Wild rosemary, thyme, and fennel are part of the "garrigue," the rich vegetation which intermingles with the vines, lending beautifully complex flavors and aromas to the wines.

Spring also means a return to bright, crisp wines to accompany the fresh flavors of the warmer months.

Below you'll find two herb-influenced whites and a sparkling to welcome back the light!

Wines With an Herbal Touch

 

Domaine Jougla

2017 Eime De Vinhem

$26.99

Warning: this wine is incredibly drinkable! A classic blend of white varietals—Vermentino, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. The vines are situated within the ‘garrigue,’ so rosemary, fennel, and thyme contribute to the aroma. Expresses pear and blossom in the nose. Rich and generous in the mouth.

 

 

Domaine de Cabrol

2016 Cabrol Blanc 
$25.99

 

This white is created with Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Gros Manseng, Viognier and Sémillon. Quite a cast! The vines grow alongside rosemary, thyme, and fennel, lending an herbal touch. You'll also find nice citrus fruits with some tropical, fresh mango.

 

 

Sparkling Wine Lets the Light In

 

 

 

J.Laurens

2016 Le Clos Des Demoiselles

$26.99

This top cuvée offers a smashing, and some say preferable, alternative to classic Champagne! 
Delicate and fine bubbles, hints of buttery toasted biscuit, white flowers and a long finish. Perfect!

 

 

À votre santé,
The Princess and the Bear

How to find unforgettable wines: a medieval village, complex terroir & 100 years of family-run viticulture

 

On the Road with The Princess and the Bear

 

St. Guilhem le Desert, where one of our wine domaines, La Voûte de Verdus, has been operating for over 100 years.

 

Our quest to bring you the undiscovered wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France takes us throughout the region. We immerse ourselves in the rich history and beauty of the area and meet the colorful personalities and innovative winemakers at the heart of the winemaking renaissance.

Last weekend we visited one of our wineries, La Voûte du Verdus, a family-owned domaine located in the medieval town of St. Guilhem le Desert, an ancient commune officially designated as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. 

The vineyard was planted over 100 years ago and is managed by Guilhem Bonnet, a third-generation winemaker. You'll find two delicious La Voûte du Verdus wines toward the end of this post. 

 

 

La Voûte du Verdus (“Vault of the Verdus River”) is so named because the cave in which the Bonnet family makes the wine sits atop the Verdus River, which runs through the center of St. Guilhem le Desert.

 

 

Here, the father, Guilhem Bonnet—who is a winemaker and the vineyard manager—shows the Bear newly planted Vermentino vines. At 3 years old, these grapes have just "come of age" for winemaking in a blend with grapes from older vines.

The vineyards of La Voûte du Verdus are situated in the appellation Terrasses du Larzac, considered one of the finest appellations in the Languedoc. Cooling winds from the Black Mountains keep the grapes from ripening too quickly. The longer grapes sit on the vine, the more complex the flavors. Complexity equals delicious.  😍

 

 

The Princess chats with Mélanie Estival, daughter and fourth-generation winemaker of the family-run La Voûte du Verdus. In the background, the Verdus River flows beneath the cave (or "vault") where the wine is made. And of course, Gigi is enjoying the scenery!

 

Domaine La Voûte De Verdus

 

 

2015 Grand Saut

45% Carignan, 45% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Grenache Noir

This top red cuvée is a beast! The Carignan is a true Mediterranean varietal, totally adapted to the climate. Together with Mourvèdre this is the heart of the blend. Syrah and Grenache Noir are like salt and pepper. 

The result? A deep red wine with spicy and leather aromas in the nose, soft and silky tannins, and a long aftertaste without being heavy. So, so delicious!

Perfect with game, duck confit, and hard cheeses.

 

 

 

2017 Le Désert Blanc 
50% Colombard, 50% Grenache Blanc

This is a Princess favorite!
This La Voûte du Verdus Blanc is equal parts Colombard and Grenache Blanc. The wine is deceptively pale in color because it carries very expressive fruit in the nose (green apple, lime). It has a fresh and acidic attack but is still round and full in character.

Excellent with seafood, chicken, prawns and goat cheeses.

 

The perfect wine for spicy-sweet Shrimp Tempura? [Recipe Inside]

 

 

April Food and Wine Pairing

 

Each month we offer you a new pairing of a savory recipe with one of our extraordinary "undiscovered" wines from the Languedoc. It's our way of saying merci for joining us on this adventure into winemaking in the Languedoc-Roussillon, an area wine critics describe as "the most exciting wine region of the whole of France." 

This month we've paired the tartness of a 2018 Soif L'idéal white with the spicy-sweet goodness of Tempura Fried Shrimp and Ginger-Chili Dipping Sauce. 
 

Featured Wine

 

TERRASSES DE GABRIELLE
2018 SOIF L'IDÉAL 
30% GRENACHE BLANC, 30% ROUSSANNE,
30% VERMENTINO, 10% VIOGNIER

This may become your own “ideal thirst” quencher. The structure and acidity of the Grenache Blanc and Vermentino blended with the honeyed pear and peach flowers of the Roussanne and Viognier creates a wine that is lively and engaging. Finishes with a smooth, nut bread hint. The tartness perfectly complements fried food, including this month's Shrimp Tempura recipe.

 

 

 

Featured Recipe

 

Tempura Fried Shrimp, Ginger-Chili Dipping Sauce and Jasmine Rice

Savor with Terrasses de Gabrielle
2018 Soif L'idéal. 

 

 

 

Bon Appétit!

 

5 Women Winemakers Fueling the Languedoc Wine Renaissance

 

 

As part of Women’s History Month, we're highlighting five inspiring Languedoc women who, year after year, produce some of the most exciting and delicious wines in the region. 

They are skilled winemakers as well as farmers, chemists, artists, and marketing wizards.

Meet them, and their fabulous wines, below!

 

Lidewij van Wilgen

of Terre Des Dames

 

 

Lidewij Van Wilgen left a high-powered career in advertising to pursue her dream of creating luscious, beautiful, organic wines. Her wines have received awards from Decanter and Wine Spectator, and glowing reviews from British wine maven Jancis Robinson. We agree!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terre Des Dames

 2016  L'Unique
60% Syrah (40 year old vines)
40% Grenache (70 year old vines)

Rich, delicious and smooth, this wine will make you swoon! Try with Pork Tenderloin stuffed with garlic, orange peel, and cherries soaked in Flor de Caña Rum. 

 

 

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Laurence Jougla

of Domaine des Jougla

 

 

Laurence Jougla draws upon winemaking expertise handed down through her family for generations. Her organic wines are made from grapes grown on varied soils, giving the wines a beautiful richness and softness. 

 

 

 

Domaines Des Jougla

2017 Initiale
30% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 25%
Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan

All the varietals of this wine will speak to you in the glass—Syrah gives spiciness and black pepper, Grenache Noir rich, soft fruits, Carignan a rustic leather tone, and Mourvèdre tobacco and chocolate. Great with barbecued ribs, chicken, and burgers.

 

 

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Cathy Izarn

of Borie La Vitarele 

 

Cathy Izarn and and her daughter, Camille, run an internationally recognized domaine in the St. Chinian appellation. Their organic vineyards are surrounded by wild herbs of the garrigue which contribute to the delicious flavors of their wines, five red and one white. We love them all!  

 

 

Borie La Vitarele
2016 Le Grand Mayol
40% Bourboulenc, 30% Vermentino,
30% Clairette

Enjoy rich flavors, nice freshness and acidity, and a lovely finish. Think pineapple, pears, and ripe yellow plums. Try with grilled halibut with pineapple and red pepper salsa, or seabass and cabbage spring rolls with ginger and chili dipping sauce. Or both!

 

 

 

 

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Pascale Riviere

of La Jasset Castel

 

"I fell in love with my first vines, on the highest point of the Causse de Montpeyroux," says Pascale Riviere. "My vineyard is made up of a century-old Cinsault near the village of Arboras, an ancient Carignan tucked away amongst the Olivettes, a purebred Syrah on the edge of an oak forest, and a goblet-trained Grenache in the heart of the Seranne landscape." Could her wines be anything other than divine? 

 

 

 

La Jasse Castel
2018 L’Égrisée 
35% Grenache Blanc, 35% Carignan Blanc,
30% Roussanne

The name l’Égrisée means “diamond dust” which perfectly describes this wine. Such a complex blend of local white varietals and the Carignan Blanc is quite rare! Crisp and clear with rich tones of white fruit, lemon, and lime with a clean finish. Perfect with seafood, chicken, and salads.

 

 

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Diane Losfelt

of Chateau de L'Engarran

 

Madame Losfelt has been the winemaker at Chateau de l’Engarran for more than 30 years. Her guiding principles are authentic terroirs, elegance, and personality. Each of her wines shows a strong character and high style, like the winemaker herself.

 

2017 Terres De L'Engarran 
100% Sauvignon Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc is clean and drinkable. Perhaps too much so! Besides the fruity and floral notes, you'll find a hint of almonds and honey in the nose and taste. The fruit is more tropical like pineapple. Serve with grilled fish, veal, and pork. 

 

We are proud to offer the wines of these accomplished winemakers. And there will be more in our next wine club shipment!

 

 

Why We Love Biodynamic Wines

The Beauty of Biodynamic Wines 

In honor of this week's beautiful celestial events (a Full Moon, the Spring Equinox and the last Full Supermoon of 2019), we want to highlight the Languedoc-Roussillon farmers who follow biodynamic practices, caring for their grapes and wines by planting, pruning, harvesting and bottling according to the position of the Moon and stars.

If the Moon can affect the tides, why not the sap of the vines and the wine itself? In fact, March 15 was this year’s “best biodynamic bottling day” for whites and rosés according to Quentin Modat, one of our new Roussillon biodynamic winemakers!

Biodynamic farming was developed in the 1920s by Rudolph Steiner, father of Waldorf education. It follows organic principles but also includes more esoteric soil amendments such as spreading nettle tea in the vineyards and enriching the soil with cow manure that’s been fermented in cow horns buried in the earth. Biodynamic winemakers say these homeopathic practices enhance the soil and the ultimate quality of their wines.

While scientific studies may not have the means to measure the desired subtle influences of these practices, as one of our new Languedoc biodynamic winegrowers, Simon Coulshaw, remarked, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating!” A test that was conducted in 2004 by Fortune Magazine concurs. Of ten blind taste comparisons between biodynamic and conventional wines, nine of the winners were biodynamic! [1]

Additionally, Washington State University has conducted several studies on biodynamic compost and there appears to be more measurable microbial activity than in conventional compost, helping to control pathogens in the soil.

Vignerons have taken notice. Renowned Languedoc-Roussillon wine mogul, Gerard Bertrand, has decided to convert his thousands of acres of vineyards to biodynamic farming.

How do we feel about biodynamic wines? We deeply resonate with the emphasis on earth-centered agriculture and the view of the vineyard as a living, interdependent system. But it’s the taste of these unique wines that made us true believers!

We currently offer four of these exquisite wines including Belle de Nuit (Beauty of the Night), which is a nod to this excellent winemaker, Michel Escande’s, reliance on the Moon in his vineyards and in his winemaking:

 

DOMAINE BORIE DE MAUREL

 

2016 La Féline

This La Féline cuvée is made from handpicked, organic grapes with long maceration on the skins.  A 2016 vintage, this wine is still in its youth; very spicy in the nose (pepper, cumin). In the mouth, it's deep and fruity with licorice and garrigue, smooth and silky in the aftertaste. 

 

2019 Le Gypse

One of the most stunning Chardonnay wines outside Burgundy we've ever tasted. This wine has a nice attack with zesty, fruity aromas. As it evolves, the wine is smooth and rich without being heavy. Refill my glass, please!

 

2016 Belle de Nuit

This Beauty of the Night, is an exceptional cuvée, both complex and alluring. Completely based around old vines of Grenache Noir this voluptuous wine will enchant you! 

 

 

2015 Cuvée Sylla

This wine is rich and upfront, silky tannins follow, and the Grand Finale is long and lingering. Food: Think big red meat, truffles, even game. Dive in and surrender!

 

 

 

[1] (Jean K. Reilly, "Moonshine, Part 2: A blind sampling of 20 wines shows that biodynamics works. But how? (This, by the way, is why we went into journalism.)", Fortune, August 23, 2004. Accessed March 18, 2018).

 

The Languedoc Awaits!

Princess and the bear partners with British wine touring company vin en vacances

 So many people have told us that they want to come see the beautiful Languedoc region. Now you can easily come and explore the wines, meet some of the passionate wine makers of today’s Languedoc renaissance, taste wonderful regional specialties and spectacular Mediterranean seafood and learn a little about the amazing history of the region: the Greeks, the Romans, the troubadours, and the Cathars.

A couple of years ago we discovered a wonderful British owned wine touring company, Vin en Vacances, based in the Languedoc.  They have offered to create three different wine-food-history tours centered around the themes of our wine clubs: Amphora, Cathar and Mediterranean. We are so excited to be able to share our love of this region, and through these wine holidays you will see for yourself why we call this the SuperNatural South of France!

Here’s a note from Wendy Gedney, the owner of Vin en Vacances: "We are honored to have been chosen as The Princess and The Bear's travel and vineyard tour partner so that their US wine lovers can explore the region in person and meet Carol and Steve in the Languedoc.  We have drawn up three exciting Languedoc wine holidays that will bring you to this magical part of the Mediterranean to meet the winemakers and discover the secrets of the SuperNatural South of France."