So many memories are sparked by food and wine. It was only last year, at this very time that we were in the south of France. It was a memorable vacation. First there was Montpellier, a beautiful and energetic university city with a vibrant night life that included a large wine and food festival, as well as both indoor and outdoor orchestra concerts. Then, we spent a week of our time on a luxurious canal barge being fed by a Cordon Bleu trained chef, feasting also on the glorious scenery and again drinking wonderful wines. These memories surface each time we pour the wines for guests at our son-in-law’s gallery in the Argenta district of North Little Rock during the Third Friday Art Walk.
The wines, both red and white, are from the Cote du Rhone. La Chasse Du Pape – literally “the chest of the Pope” – takes its name from the time when there were popes in 14th century Avignon. The red, which is as popular on a hot summer evening as on a cold winter night, is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. The color is a rich ruby red, and on the nose there is red fruit and herbs. The palate reveals additional pepper and spice along with a hint of vanilla.
The white, which blends Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Roussanne grapes, is golden in color with a bit of green shining through. It looks like late summer to us. There is white fruit and citrus on the nose, and on the palate the flavors of apple and pear emerge and remain through the finish.
We chose the white the other night to pair with a gratin of summer vegetables. We sliced eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, and layered them in the bottom of a greased gratin dish and added salt and pepper. Grated Gruyere topped the vegetables and then we repeated the process. Finally we whisked together 1 ½ cups of cream, a touch of nutmeg, and two eggs, plus salt and pepper to taste. This we poured over the vegetables. Freshly grated Parmesan topped the dish before baking at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. With a green salad and crusty bread it was delicious.
Even without looking at our lovely pictures from that trip, memories of beautiful scenery, good conversation, lingering meals on deck, are evoked by the gratin accompanied by delicious French wine. All it takes a little food and a little wine and we’re on vacation again.
