And what do we usually eat with our wines in the South of France? A lot of seafood, because the Mediterranean sea is close, fresh vegetables, crusty bread and lots of olive oil.  Meals are not elaborate.  They are simple and seasonal.   Most of my friends start with a glass of wine and an appetizer of olives

Bouillabaisse is a traditional fish stew and is loaded with fresh fish, shellfish, vegetables and herbs.  A bottle of Robert Skalli South of France Chardonnay with notes of citrus and spice would make a great pairing with this rustic dish.

But if you really want to act like you are in the South of France, you have to do something most important!!!! After lunch, go to take a “sieste” for 30 minutes…..

 I am surprised to learn in my travels for Robert Skalli Wines how little people know about the South of France.  So, I thought I should go over a few basics. 

The South of France is located along the Mediterranean coast and includes Provence, the Rhone Valley, Languedoc and the island of Corsica.

There are many differences between Bordeaux, where I am from, and the South of France.  Of course, it is still France, but the terrain and the lifestyle are much different.  It’s wilder, less tame.  When you arrive in the South of France you can smell what we call “garrigue”.   Garrigue is the shrubland of the South of France and includes plants like thyme, lavender and rosemary growing in the limestone and sandy soils.   It is very aromatic and some say you can taste it in the wines.  It is part of the terrior.

The weather is also different.  In the South of France we have Mediterranean weather, a bit like California.  But we also have the Mistral.   The Mistral is a specific wind.  It comes from the north. During the summer it brings some freshness, but during the winter the Mistral can blow more than 56 mph!  But this wind is good for the vines.  It is natural dryer and helps to prevent disease.

And of course there is the Mediterranean Sea.   The Robert Skalli vineyard on the island of Corsica overlooks the beautiful blue Mediterranean that offers the vineyard generous sunlight coupled with cool refreshing nights.

Let me tell you something about my home in France.  It is 45 minutes from Bordeaux (famous for its wines) on the South East side. The village of ‘Saint Michel de Lapujade’: 222 people, couple of cows, chickens and horses, and you can also find corn, wheat, forest and vines of course! Imagine some green hills with a lot of vines and grapes, which will be ready to harvest soon (one more month).

On the top of a hill is my family’s house and the winery, because my family has one in the appellation Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur (and some others also): Wonderful!!! My family has been in the business SINCE 1839. My grand-parents, my parents, my uncle and my brother work together to make quality wines. In Bordeaux we use grapes as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot for the reds and some for the rose. We use the Sauvignon Blanc and the Semillon for the white. 

This is my paradise. But how could I describe the differences to New York?   The smell is definitely different! I think our home in Bordeaux is a mix of freshness, flowers, grass, and grapes. It is so quiet and peaceful.

The best way, for me, to be in total harmony with this natural environment is to go to running or to ride my bike through the vineyard and the forests. Every time I return home I do it.

My brother developed the “green concept” in the vineyard.  He uses green and organic practices. This part of the vineyard will be certified by a French organic agency, because it is still essential to take care of our environment and our planet!!!

Robert Skalli believes in natural farming too.  For example, the Skalli family vineyard on the island of Corsica, which is the source for Robert Skalli Pinot Noir, is farmed using organic methods including using sheep to control weeds in the vineyards. 

 Do not eat the Filet Mignon with the Ketchup Sauce, please!!!! For some french fries OK. Here in the US the beef is sooooo good and tasty, but it doesn’t need ketchup.  It is not a perfect dinner either because I don’t have a glass of red wine to pair with the beef. You know what? I’m sure a glass of Maison Bouachon Chateauneuf du Pape would be perfect with this.  Where is my glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape? Please!

I know where I am going to live!!!! In Jersey City or around that area.  It is so cooool!! View of NY City and so close to NY City, close to an airport and you can find many restaurants, bars and…. girls! ;)  And people there are very nice, a lot of Europeans, so I could feel at home here. I just have to find the apartment.