When in Bordeaux....you eat Moules Frites!

Moules frites. 
Straight from the ocean. 😋Don't 4get to use an empty shell as a pincher with which to pry out other mussels and pop them in your mouth! #sipandtips

It was very hot this day.
We had Pastis (Pastis (French pronunciation: ​[pa.stis]  is an anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif from France, typically containing less than 100 g/l sugar and from 40–45% ABV (alcohol by volume). and a Monaco beer (white beer) mixed with a Schuss (shot) of sweet syrup (Gernadine) instead of soda.
French pairings on a hot day.
 I love to eat this dish, drinking Champagne or a nice Chablis....yummy! 

Wiki facts: As a dish, the moules and the frites are usually served on separate plates or dishes so that the fries do not become moist. Often, the moules are served in the same pan and stock used to cook them.^[11] A second pan or dish is generally also provided in which the mussels' shells can be left once the mussels themselves have been eaten.

One of my favorite recipes for this is Julia Childs.
Yes I said it

A Vintage Glass Can Change Everything!

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOtag-n5R5VAvITA8HMRIVMQukoFKYqMLLJjS3q

We hope you had a great holiday!
Sips and Tips!

by Game of Seasons Boutique Wine Import/Export. 
We continued with some day after Champagne cocktails I created: TJ's Ginger beer, a dash of St.Germain Elderflower liqueur, and a Les Pintos favorite French Champagne Pascal Walczar extra dry brut....... 

Paired with French foie gras snacks, cheese, cured meats.....good peeps, and California sunshine.

Another Sips and Tips Champ cocktail....

Spruce up your holidays.🌲 Champagne Rosée cocktails...by Game of Seasons. 🎋🍾
Cut thin orange slices and freeze them. 

Add 1 dash of grapefruit bitters, and voilà! 

Again Use fancy-inexpensive- "vintage" glasses for festive flare! 
Laurenti Champagne Cuvée Rosée, Imported by @gameofseasons 😘 'Tis the season to be merry and bright! #recipes #champagne 
#bubbles #laurenti #winelife #parties

Laurenti CHAMPAGNE Grande Cuvee Rose Brut
Imported by Game of Seasons

Rufio and Dieselle and enjoying their holidays.....

May your holidays continue to be Magical!

xoxo Game of Seasons!

Happy National ZINFANDEL Day!

I NEED MORE ZIN IN MY LIFE.

I was reminded today was National ZINFANDEL Day and wanted to share some of Game of Seasons favorites off the clock......

Wiki Facts:

Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) is a variety of black-skinned wine grape. The variety is grown in over 10 percent of California vineyards.^[1] DNA analysis has revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanskiand Tribidrag, as well as to the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Apulia (the "heel" of Italy), where it was introduced in the 18th century.^[2] The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, where it became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name which is probably of Austrian origin.

The grapes typically produce a robust red wine, although in the United States a semi-sweet rosé (blush-style) wine called White Zinfandel has six times as many sales as the red wine.^[3] The grape's high sugar content can be fermented into levels of alcohol exceeding 15 percent.^[4]

The taste of the red wine depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruit flavors like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas,^[5]whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas^[5] and in wines made from the earlier-ripening Primitivo clone.

Select your food pairings based on the style of ZIN you're serving. Enjoy these quick tips when pairing Zinfandel with food!

MEATS
Zinfandel wine is happiest when paired with anything from the meat aisle, from barbeque pork ribs, leg of lamb or a big, hearty meal.
- Pork
- Beef
- Lamb
- Italian sausage
- Spare ribs
- Brisket
- Venison

POULTRY
A lighter Zinfandel wine is a wonderful red wine food pairing choice for poultry and game fowl, especially when served with a heavier sauce.
- Turkey - try Zinfandel for Thanksgiving!
- Duck
- Quail
- Pheasant 
- Chicken

PASTA
A bigger Zinfandel wine pairs best with tomato-based dishes while lighter Zinfandels make an excellent wine pairing for creamy pastas.
- Lasagna 
- Cannelloni
- Spaghetti

SEAFOOD & FISH
Try pairing Zinfandel with seafood stews and soups, as well as seared or grilled fish.
- Tuna
- Cioppino (Tomato and fish stew)

OTHERS
Enjoy Zinfandel with bold, hearty soups, as well as your favorite kind of pizza! 
- Beef Stew
- Chili
- Pizza

HERBS
Black Pepper, Basil, Thyme, Italian Parsley, Bay Leaf, Fennel

CHEESE
Parmesan, Aged Cheddar, Aged Gouda, Asiago, Dry Jack

xoxox Game of Seasons

Holiday Pairings are coming up soon! 

From the Château Monbazillac tasting room to home. A worldwide known vineyard which holds many secrets!

The Château is symbolic of the Bergerac region and has stood proudly since the end of the 16^th century when the quality of its wines was well known far beyond the borders of Aquitaine. This constancy is remarkable in a region where wars, peasant revolts and revolution hardly allowed a moment’s peace for the aristocratic properties dotted about the landscape.

From the Château Monbazillac tasting room to home. Sweet dreams of wine for my sweetheart.🍏 💗 😚
These were favorites of ours. 
This Sweet yet dry 2011 Château Monbazillac 

SÉMILLON-SAUVIGNON BLANC BLEND

 can age for another 20 years pairs well with foie gras, confiture, and these noisette cookies perfectly. 

 

 

Facts: Producing a sweet wine needs to get in first full maturity of the grapes. This is primarily conditioned by the selection of plots with soils providing good permeability and good drainage of water. It is in the result of careful management of the plant with a minimum density of planting 4,000 vines per hectare a short size which limits the growing power of the plant, and a low yield of 30 hectolitres per hectare. The main grape varieties relatively early and mid force are Muscadelle, Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris, and Sémillon.
#winelife #sweetwines #oldworldwine#Renaissance #somm #winewinewine#womeninwine #exploring #experience#lifeofanimporter #sipandtips

Round and full bodied reds and delicious sweet and dessert wines, delicate dry whites, and fruity roses, wines from Bergerac and Duras offer a style for every type of food.

The terroir

It is the action of Botrytis cinerea, that microscopic fungus, which transforms the grapes during warm autumn days so that they give up their wonderful sugars to these famous sweet wines.  Monbazillac wine, so renowned in the 17th century, benefitted from the exodus of Protestants to Holland following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The exiles became zealous promoters of these great sweet white wines, hugely appreciated by their hosts.  Four centuries later, Monbazillac still enjoys this reputation, thanks to the talent of its impassioned and determined winemakers, as well as the introduction of science which has enhanced the quality of the vineyard’s grands crus.

http://chateau-monbazillac.com/en/the-castle/the-terroir

The winemakers

The decision required careful consideration just 4 years after the deadly frosts of 1956 which had ravaged part of the vineyards.  The vote was a secret one and the result was 13 in favour out of 13 votes, so a unanimous decision.  These managers were good winemakers, but also not indifferent to arts and culture.  So the Château and its estate did not fall into unknown hands or under the umbrella of a speculative group.  Nowadays, this historic monument, open to the public, is managed by the children and grand-children of those winemakers, all striving to preserve the Château and make it accessible to as many people as possible.

Facts: It is in a second time ripeness that produces grapes suitable for winemaking sweet wines. It is related to the combination of topographic and climatic conditions very particular found together in a very short .In autumn sites oceanic influence promotes dew, mists or the morning fog that will stagnate at the bottom of hillsides which will be followed by beautiful sunny afternoon. The moisture content is between 85% and 90% and promotes the development of botrytis cinerea whose activity is greatly slowed by the heat of the afternoon.

The best soils, located in northern slope towards the valley of the Dordogne, longer benefit from the conditions of humidity at daybreak; they produce the most concentrated wine. The plateau and the southern slope, submitted in the day to sunlight are less precocious and will produce wines with less sap.

To perpetuate the old practices and to facilitate the extraction of juice pressing, the grapes are placed whole in the press. The wines get their fullness after a few months and they are subject to a breeding until at least 31 May of the year following the harvest.

---

xoxo Game of Seasons

https://goo.gl/photos/oLNm1VsveU72ZYwm9

Some girls like Diamonds. I like Grand Cru. Today....cellar diving in my cellar..... Grateful to be able to bring something nice to the table.

Cheers from Game of Seasons!

Today was a good day!
We're hoping your weekend is filled with Rose!

In the Summer Game of Seasons offers summer wine tours and gothic adventures thru La Maison Du Pont Semur-en-Auxois: Gothic Wine Tours in France. One of our stops is Domaine Flavigny-Alesia. Part 1.

Great day wine tasting in
Domaine Flavingny-Alesia.....The interesting thing about this place....it isn't part of the AOC and not recognized, therefore can't be imported into the US. The owner since 2002 a South African, Ida Neal, brought her exotic influence to the region.

This is a historic estate, in the old farm buildings of the Abbey of Flavingny dating to the 13th century. The wine Estate had its glory days in the Medieval Ages, due to the monks who served it to the table of the French kings. Due to the various economic factors and phylloxera, the vineyard gradually disappeared by the end of the 19th century.

1994, 13Ha of the vineyard was replanted in the traditional way.... After 33yrs residing in the Island of Mayotte, 101st French Department in the Indian Ocean, Ida was ready for the challenge, to create exceptional wine!

Located near the famous historical site of the battle Alésia, between Cèsar and the Gaules. The Winery was restored to excellence, and has a wonderful atmosphere. It's also close to the famous French candy and sweets: the Anis of Flavingny. The same candy spot and movie set in the beautiful médiévale village where the movie CHOCOLAT>> was filmed. 
Domaine Flavingny-Alesia in the Côté D'or, is in😄 Burgundy. People love this affordable wine, with their unique bottling, and blends. 

These wines are produced from 6 varieties of vines:
Aligote, Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Cesar, Pinot Noir and Pinot Beurot. By blending Chardonnay with Pinot Noir they produce a White and Rose sparkling wine. The winery also does a Fine de Flavigny which is (Brandy) distilled and Ratafia which is a blend of grape juice and brandy. 

Great place for a party...

Chess anyone?

Beautiful grounds.....restored to perfection.
Protected by the limestone cliffs, the vies are established on the hills to the south and on clay-limestone soil. The grapes are hand picked when they are ripe and ready. Since 2011 this has been their process into becoming biodynamic and continue to produce organic. 

Gothic feeling everywhere, yet still in the present. The estate is near the famous historical site of the battle Alesia, between the Cesar and Gaules; the birthplace of the French nation. One of the oldest vineyards of France, and is mapped at the time of Charlemagne in 741, as documented at the wine museum in Beaune.

My pic of the day..... #awesomeloot
1. A lovely dessert wine Vin de Colombier 2011
2.100% Cesar grape 2015 which is a treat. It's grown in this area of Burgundy and Irancy. It is also an aging beauty and can pour for the next 10 years.
3. Pinot Noir Atrium 2015 lite tannins, make for a soft elegant experience if you want red on a hot day.

Like California, Burgundy has suffered many weather issues in 2015, 2016, and 2017..... frost, maladies, heat, and constant rain is a cause of wine shortage in Bourgogne. We say in the wine business Mediterranean(or "many climates".)
Global climate issues are real. I tend to go for the things I can hold on to. Wine that is Grand Cru and not Cru....just good wine will do for me.
I'm grateful to be able to find things that I love, and get my hands on. I will cherish each bottle with loved ones, friends, and in the tub.

Part II.....where to eat? Stay tuned for our next blog.

Cheers, happy summer, and Namaste,

xoxo Game of Seasons

Lately.....Summertime in Bourgogne.

Wine hunting season has begun, and taking it easy this year. Always looking for what's new and exclusive in California. 

Taking it easy this summer. San Francisco really kept me busy. This is the time to come back to the countryside and explore. 

Semur-en-Auxois
La Maison Du Pont
http://www.jeuxdessaisons.com/index.html

smiles are contagious

Les Pintos

Focusing on my current clients, and introducing our wine tour guest to a new experience. Our guest from airbnb, vrbo, our La Maison du Pont www.jeuxdessaisons.com website, and new facebook visitors are booking and we are excited to share to fun wine tasting locations.

 

Interaction the winemakers, group fun and wine, sips and tips, while drinking responsibly, and stuffing our mouths with perfectly paired French CHEESE! 

I'm coming across super Organic, hand crafted to perfection, small production(600-900 cases), and being introduced to new methods and fresh thinking.

Dinner with friends and sharing information about wine and food is always appreciated. xo

Sidenote: Dieselle has been a very happy girl.... :)

 Fun to reconnect with the amazing winemakers I import. Taking my houseguest on Gothic wine tours, shipping back exotic treasures, sharing a world of ancient architecture, while drinking wine........in France. Whew! This is the time I am able to relax before the Fall/Winter Grind. Looking forward to the magic of finding that taste, that smell, that Hello Lover look when you hold up you glass and spin to admire the color. This is my time to slow the hustle, and remind myself that all of the running around in San Francisco was worth the push. 

There are so many aspects of this world of wine. 

It's not the pay, it is the lifestyle. 

The Bohemian way of living a nomadic existence, and it's the fantastic adventure that keeps my obsession in the game. OK it is a little Hard work, and the paper work is redonk...and I mean....cra! 

But when you start to seeing your passion take off a little more and more....that feeling of wtf slipping away?!? It is indeed satisfaction. 

When you resist the doubt and the doubting.

 (Eye roll) 

I laugh when I repeat to myself and hubby, 

"I don't know why I'm doing this?! But, I truly love the thrill and enjoy the ride of the unknown."

Ambitious... trusting my instinct, keeping the goals, and believing always in the impossible. #blackgirlmagic #believingindreams 

Today, just relaxing to a superb glass of wine.

Happy questions and sips and tips always welcomed.

Please Comment below for wine chat and Burgundy,FR. 

Believing in new connections, grateful for savvy networking, other wine geeks who appreciate unique products in their establishments.....Thank you. Learning more all the time, living in France part time, and being completely open has got me this far. Also belonging to a secret society of professional winos is pretty cool too. 

Helloooo Summer! 2 be continued.

xoxoxo Game of Seasons