Before I start my journey into Spain, I wanted to close out my trip through France with my favorite French wine - Champagne. I recently participated in a "Grower Champagne" tasting. Grower Champagne, I learned, is when the Champagne is produced at the same estate where the grapes are grown. The winemaker has complete control… Continue reading A Fond Adieu to France with a Grower Champagne Tasting
Author: Chloe Nichols
I am a working mother of an energetic five year old and a thirteen year old.
I didn't read any parenting books and this is my story of how I am surviving being a mother and loving it!
Chateau Miraval Pink Floyd 2010 and Ratatouille
I have arrived at my final stop in France: Provence. I had to put my trip on hold for a week - I was suffering from a cold and could not taste or smell a thing. But now I am healthy and excited to continue my journey! I had been looking forward to this stop for… Continue reading Chateau Miraval Pink Floyd 2010 and Ratatouille
Domaine Courtois Cotes du Rhone Paired with Salade Lyonnaise Sandwich
I have arrived in the Rhone Valley and, like all of the French wine regions, there are many sub-regions. I decide to go with Lyon - mostly because it is the gastronomy capital of France. The first order of business is to figure out what to eat. Maybe it is because it is winter or… Continue reading Domaine Courtois Cotes du Rhone Paired with Salade Lyonnaise Sandwich
Silex Noir Vouvray and Fricassee de Poulet
One of the great outcomes of my wine and cuisine research are all the great people I am meeting and the different blogs that I am finding. I decided to make my next stop the Loire Valley, with a mission to try Vouvray. I made a trip to my local Wine store, West Seattle Cellars,… Continue reading Silex Noir Vouvray and Fricassee de Poulet
Chateau Clerc Milon and Chateau de La Dauphine Bordeaux and Steak with Bordelaise – Bon Appetit
I left the Beaujolais province and headed to Bordeaux. The one thing that excited me most about the Bordeaux region was the dessert. One of my favorite cookies, coconut macaroons (or rocher coco) are native to this region. I love coconut macaroons. They are chewy, sweet and delicious. And if you have one that is… Continue reading Chateau Clerc Milon and Chateau de La Dauphine Bordeaux and Steak with Bordelaise – Bon Appetit
Pairing Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais and Thanksgiving Dinner
After leaving Alsace, I had originally planned on heading straight to Bordeaux, but my plans were changed. I ended up making a stop in the Beaujolais province - an area of France that is located north of Lyon and intersects two different wine regions - the Rhone and Burgundy. My brother Ian, who had originally… Continue reading Pairing Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais and Thanksgiving Dinner
The Alsace Region of France – A Glass of Hugel & A Bite of Cheese
After Burgundy, I decided to head back up Northeast for a trip to the Alsace Region. The Alsace region runs up against Germany and the Germanic influence is very much apparent. It appears what Alsace is most known for are their Riesling - I found a great site, just dedicated to Riesling, and it mentioned… Continue reading The Alsace Region of France – A Glass of Hugel & A Bite of Cheese
Touring the Burgundy Region of France – Two Great Wines & Beef Bourguignon
I left the Champagne Region and headed over to Burgundy. The Burgundy region is in Eastern France and the wines are primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are 6 regions within the Burgundy region, so there are many different types of wine to chose from. This is also the birth place of coq au vin,… Continue reading Touring the Burgundy Region of France – Two Great Wines & Beef Bourguignon
Touring the Champagne Region of France & Sipping Champagne with Two Wonderful Women
Leaving London, I took the chunnel to Paris, ready to begin my "virtual" journey through France. I plan to go from Paris to the Champagne region, then to Burgundy and beyond. I am looking forward to this leg of my journey as it includes more bubbly (you can probably tell by now it is my… Continue reading Touring the Champagne Region of France & Sipping Champagne with Two Wonderful Women
First Stop: London, England, Sparkling Wine & Fish and Chips
I arrived in London, and it is cold, damp and overcast. Well, actually that is what the weather is like here in Seattle. I am told the weather in Seattle is similar to London, so I am going to assume I am on point. Before I get to the wine, I am going to take… Continue reading First Stop: London, England, Sparkling Wine & Fish and Chips
The Splendid Grape 