Up in the South of France, reviewing Roussillon

Year 14, No. 04

Life is always about tradeoffs and when you choose to live in the countryside, you give up a lot that’s great about the city such as: culture, public transportation, and a never-ending list of dining options. In return you get: space, more affordable living, and, as shown in this moment of the year in Priorat, the almond blossoms.

It’s an amazing event to witness as you turn a corner in the road and suddenly, an entire hillside is awash in white and pink blossoms depending upon the exact cultivar; a true Instagram Moment if there ever was one.

It is but a blip in the year however as the blossoms seem to vanish as fast as they suddenly arrived. This speed of their departure is always helped along by any brush of rain that sees fit to pay a visit during February such as we had a few days ago, washing away so many of the blossoms and forcing us to wait until the cherry trees feel like putting out.

A short distance away, up in the South of France, Roussillon is still awaiting this and other brushes of rain. As they see 325 days of sunshine a year, they’re France’s driest wine region which is showing more than normal and was a huge topic of conversations when I was researching the new Roussillon Report that’s out today.

Also out is that fact that Spain just had a new Denomination of Origin approved after a…. wow, 15-year dry spell. Do read all about DO Campo de Calatrava (*) and how it fits into the vast landscape that is Castilla-La Mancha.

Drink well, be well.

-Miquel

(*) Free to read