In September of 2003, I arrived in Paris for the first time. For five months, I lived with a woman named Claire Hauter, a journalist for Radio France, and her 10-year-old son, Elias. The apartment, on the top floor, had slanted ceilings with exposed beams. My room stretched the depth of the building, and there was a small window on one end that looked out to the back of Hôtel de Ville and the daily market. On the other end, there was a beautiful window, with a built-in bench below, and I spent countless hours there, looking into the courtyard of the church and the lives of my neighbors (Rear Window style).
I became friends with the other people studying that semester, and we met most nights for dinner or drinks. But Sundays, with those protracted solo study sessions, began to feel laborious and lonely. So we started having Sunday wine nights. This was a time of brainstorming, gossiping, dreaming, reflecting. These nights were transformative. So with a nod to those evenings in Paris, here's a lineup to defy any Sunday blues.
Domaine Grand Corbière Gris Sable 2015
I have to start with rosé. There wasn't a week in Paris that passed without having rosé. I was still drinking it at the end of January before I flew home. And this trend hasn't changed, it seems. This is lovely and good for any brainstorming session.
Domaine Sauvète Touraine Les Gravouilles Gamay 2015
Gamay the gossip. Les Gravouilles, named for the land's gravelly plots. I first had gamay in Paris, but where was this one 13 years ago? Either way, it's perfect for right now.
Ezio Curruti Moscato Secco Fol 2014
Fol or for me, Fall in a glass, the most beautifully aromatic wine I've experienced. Lends itself well for dreaming.
Bodegas As Furnias Vino Tinto 2014
As Furnias' Galician red blend for reflection. Gorgeous in the glass, lots of spice and zing, an amazing value from this producer right on the border with Portugal. Something to to drink deep into those Sunday nights.
More Sunday lineups to come. Until then, have a wonderful weekend.