Wine & Drinks | A French Collection

National Rosé Day and Provence

Bottle of Rosé wine with glass of rosé wine

When Rosé is mentioned, most people likely think of Provence. That's probably because Provence is recognised as the birthplace of Rosé wine and new varieties are still compared to those created in the South of France. Let's find out more about the world's favourite pink drink and the day it's celebrated across the globe - National Rosé Day.

National Rosé Day

When is National Rosé Day celebrated?

Celebrated by some on the second Saturday in June, and others on 14 August each year, Rosé day is a fun day on the calendar whether you celebrate it in June or August. Some even say that it's the whole month of August that we should be celebrating, so I'll leave this one up to you!

There's even an official hashtag to use if you want to share your pink bubbly photos - #NationalRoséDay

Cointreau – French Orange Liqueur

Do you like Cointreau? Is the French orange flavoured triple-sec liqueur something that you know much about? Created during the Belle Époque era and sold in easily recognisable square bottles, it represents the heady days of glamorous fashion, new elegant building styles and lavish entertaining.

Created and perfected by Édouard Cointreau in 1875, the orange liqueur is now known worldwide and loved by millions.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

Kir Royale Recipe & Emily in Paris

Kir Royale Recipe and Emily in Paris

Are you a fan of the Netflix show Emily in Paris? Set in Paris and causing a stir with each new season, viewers seem to either love the fun quirky show set in Paris or on the other hand, think it's a rather lame portrayal of life in Paris. Either way it's hugely popular, and even many Parisians love the way it showcases their beautiful city. I've had taxi drivers gush over the series to me, professional photographers show me film locations and hotel staff suggest places I could visit that are in the series.

"The perfect drink to sip and do nothing..." - Luc, Emily in Paris - Season 3

How to Open A Champagne Bottle the French Way

French Champagne at old harbour of Cassis, Provence

How to Open A Champagne Bottle the French Way

Feeling festive? Well, that probably means you'll be enjoying a glass of champagne. Did you know there's a traditional French way to open a bottle of champagne?

Champagne bottles are made to be pretty indestructible as you might already know. This is because as champagne undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle (the part of the process that makes the bubbles), the pressure rises up to six atmospheres, or 60 pounds. Early on in the champagne industry Dom Pérignon experienced some disastrous results attempting to harness this pressure with frequently exploding bottles and cellar workers often wounded or even killed.

Le Dîner en Blanc – French White Dinner

An intimate French inspired picnic with guests all dressed in white meeting at a secret location for an evening of dining, music and dancing is the Le Dîner en Blanc. Le Dîner en Blanc started in Paris by François Pasquier in 1988 and has taken the world by storm for those that love to meet new dinner guests, dine under soft candlelight and dance into the night at a public location in a place that is kept secret until the very last minute.

Calvados, The Apple Brandy of Normandy

Calvados, The Apple Brandy of Normandy

Have you tried Calvados, the apple brandy of Normandy? The unique drink of Calvados was developed in northwest Normandy, France, in a region bordering the English Channel and abounding in apples. Never heard of Calvados, the location or the liqueur? Well we’ll take a look at the department, the Top Ten places to visit, and, of course, the famous Calvados apple liqueur.

Chambord – The French Liqueur of Louis XIV

Chambord – The French Black Raspberry Liqueur of Louis XIV

Is Chambord a liqueur or perfume? Looking at the prettily shaped bottle with its fancy gold stopper you could be excused in thinking that it’s a large bottle of costly perfume, but it is a French liqueur with royal origins, no less. The bottle design had not changed in nearly three decades until 1984 when the redesign allowed for an easier grip, longer neck for better pouring and a flat bottle top. The flat top was designed to appear like a raspberry made of jewels and replaced the ornate crown design.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

Beaujolais Nouveau Féte – New Beaujolais Festival

France is a country that loves celebrating all things good that can be eaten or drunk. Dedicated festivals, national occasions and celebrations keep traditions alive in France, just like the Beaujolais Nouveau Féte (New Beaujolais Festival).

The New Beaujolais Festival is celebrated throughout France on the third Thursday in November every year, the date when wine-making finishes and the new wine can be sold. This fruity new wine is eagerly awaited by wine-lovers across France, with gatherings at local stores and vineyards and when the cry goes out le beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! (the new Beaujolais has arrived) it is a happy scene at the bottle shop.

Annette Charlton