Provence from Fayence: Provence Guide

Tortoise Creek

I am so excited: my first podcast about Provence. It's from San Francisco and it's all about - guess what - a vineyard in Languedoc (West Provence <g>) called, fabulously, Tortoise Creek. The man in the podcast uses all those exquisite wine guru words like "tar notes", "cherry tobacco" and pronounces Syrah "sirraaaah".

Tortoise Creek is also run by Brits - Janie and Mel Master - who learned their trade in Sonoma, before setting up Tortoise Creek.

I am now gagging to buy their wines.

Mesclun

I could have sworn mesclun was just a jumble of mixed salad leaves. I'm very partial to picking up a bag or two at the market in Fayence on saturday mornings, stuffed into a recycled red-and-white striped bag. Doused with (for an easy cheat) ready-made vinaigrette. Now, I am embarrassed to discover that Kiwis have rumbled the hard facts:

Mesclun or "salade de mesclun" comes from the old Provencal verb to mix. Mesclun traditionally consisted of a freshly picked selection of baby green leaves from the kitchen garden and wild greens harvested from the fields.

While mesclun is characterised by using baby greens, it the the tangy taste of peppery and bitter plants that gives it a special piquancy."

I got it all mixed up.

Noreva anti-wrinkle jam

I received a lot of enquiries about Noreva's Norelift anti-wrinkle jam resulting from a previous post which covered the alleged Provence company's amazingage-defying jam (e.g. Telegraph article). So, I decided to track it down, as a labour of love (not that I have a direct need myself). It proved incredibly difficult. Numerous searches later, I unearthed a French review of Noreva Norelift. The cross-sell refers another product altogether. Winos and Foodies comment trail reveals disappointed seekers for Noreva's cosmetic nectar: I picture time eroding their faces as they scour the globe for the marmalade. I sense an Internet spoof of epic proportions.

Then I find the company: Noreva is based in Auvergne. I find it is up for some kind of industry award - Cosmeeting.  I make contact with Noreva's product manager, Mlle. Baume, the one who said: "found that many women are fed up with popping beauty pills or capsules so we decided to come up with something new. Using a jam-like substance means we can give them the anti-wrinkle and antioxidant substances in a greater concentration." And here's the answer: "Notre produit est distribué en France et dans les réseaux des pharmacies. Vous pouvez donc vous le procurer uniquement sur le territoire français. Il n’est pas disponible sur Internet pour le moment." Aw, shucks.

Anyone in the Provence area, however, can purchase Noreva's gear at  Pharmacie Coutiere - Marmara Centre Commercial Champion 83120 Ste Maxime. I was hoping for something closer to Fayence.

Gauloises, au revoir

Gauloises are no more. They have been filtered, weeded and stubbed out. Gone in a puff of smoke. Even the website is "est momentanément indisponible." I was moved to tears by Jonathan Maslow's elegy for the cigarette. Having given up on at least four occasions, I was tempted back at least by the distinctive, dark, stubby things. I even had the T-shirt.

Join my "save the Gitanes" campaign.

French Riviera

Found this photo on a website whose only purpose is to attract search engine traffic. What most people have to failed to realise is just how quickly the mountains begin behind Cannes and Nice, and yet, like leeches, they all cling to those crowded beaches.

Provence Rouge

Folk from Boston are salivating at Provence reds: "Only about 16% of Provencal wines are red, and they are among the most flavorful and reasonable of the French wines, selling for $10 to $25. Curiously, considering the ripeness and intensity the area's climate gives the grapes, most are light enough to match well with grilled fish, meats, and tomato-based fish stews." Pheeew. That's a lot to pay, methinks.

Tomatoes and Pesto

Multi-coloured tomatoes from Mont Ventoux, courtesy Meanwhile. "Well, we have basil in the garden, some pine nuts in the cupboard and I think there is some parmesan still in the fridge. I'll see what I can knock up."

Truffle price shocker

Just the 1,000 Euros then per kilo for Provence's black diamonds. Locals blame the weather, says the Telegraph. "It did not rain from late April until now and the Mistral wind was very strong, which dried out the soil even more." And then there's the cheap, tasteless imports.

What's worse is that none will be left for Christmas: "Qu'ils mangent du foie gras."

Matisse

Matisse makes it big in Latvia. Love the potted history. "Matisse’s celebration of bright colors reached its peak in 1917 when he began to spend time on the French Riviera." Me, I like bright colours too.

Chocolate & wine

Great online something or other on Chocolate & Zucchini debating what wines to share with chocolate souffle. We need a Top 10, I think.