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Cuisine, Europe

5 Côtes de Provence rosés you should be sipping this summer

May 17, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Summer is just around the corner and the breezy vineyards and sunny beaches of the Côtes de Provence are calling. The region is renowned for its production of the world’s best pale pink wines, and the fresh, sweet, sun-kissed flavours are simply in a league of their own. If you want to transport yourself to the South of France this summer, it’s all about leisurely lunches washed down with bottles of home-grown Côtes de Provence rosé. From award-winning grapes to celebrity-endorsed estates, here are five of the best Côtes de Provence rosés you should be sipping this summer.

GET INSPIRED BY: Ultimate Southern France

1. Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé

Photo credit: [IG] thewhisperingangel

In 2006, Sacha Lichine, the heir to a prestigious Bordeaux wine dynasty, acquired the Château d’Esclans estate. His vision was to revolutionise rosé and create the world’s greatest rosés by bringing innovative winemaking techniques to Côtes de Provence – and he succeeded. His multi award-winning Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé, is now the benchmark for Provençal rosé.

Made with a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), the dry, subtle flavours of strawberry, citrus, and dried herbs and spice create a remarkably smooth finish. The elegant bottle and label and the dusky pink colour, make this a classic Côtes de Provence rosé.

You’ll find the Whispering Angel in bars and restaurants across the Riviera, Europe and the rest of the world and it remains one of the best rosés in the ​​Côtes de Provence region. Or why not enjoy a glass at the source? As Sacha says “In the Esclans Valley angels whisper. If you drink this wine, you might hear them… If you visit us, you might see them.” It’s worth a trip to Provence just for that experience alone.

2. Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé

Photo credit: [IG] maisonmirabeau

With a dream to make one of the very best Provence rosés in the region, London couple Stephen and Jeany Cronk relocated with their three children to Cotignac, a little village in the heart of Provence. That was in 2008 and now 14 years later, Stephen, Jeany and their dedicated team of winemakers have created some of the world’s finest Côtes de Provence rosé.

Their 20-hectare wine estate, Domaine Mirabeau, spreads across a nature reserve near the Golf of St Tropez, hedged by classic Provençal villages. They’ve won countless awards and produce some of the most beloved Provence rosés in 50 countries across Europe, Australia and North America.

While this estate produces several great wines, you can’t miss their flagship Côtes de Provence wine, Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé. Known as ‘Provence in a glass’, this rosé is all about sun-kissed citrus and bursts of lychee, mandarine and red summer berries. And with a gorgeous pink colour, how can you not dream of warm, breezy days on the Côte d’Azur.

3. Maison Saint Aix, Vin De Provence Rosé

Photo credit: [IG] ming.chao

If you’re looking for a Côtes de Provence rosé that truly captures the best of Provence, put AIX Rosé on your list. The beautiful salmon pink colour and the sophisticated flavours exuding peach, red berry, and floral notes immediately transport you to the sandy shores and beach clubs of the South of France.

AIX Rosé was born out of the historic Maison Saint Aix winery, set 420 metres above sea level, high in the northern hills of the Aix-en-Provence region. It’s this strategic position that contributes to AIX Rosé’s elegant profile. The grapevines grow within mineral-rich soils, away from the heat of the coast and with cooling Mistral winds, yet with 300 days of sun every year. These conditions are perfect to grow Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes and it’s this stunning blend that makes up AIX Rosé.

There’s little wonder why AIX is a best-selling, award-winning rosé every year, and with a massive 15-litre bottle on the shelves, there’s no better way to quench your thirst with friends this summer.

4. Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé

Photo credit: [IG] miraval

The Côtes de Provence is the summer playground of the rich and famous, so it makes sense that you can find a quality Provençal rosé produced by celebrities. But the Château Miraval rosé isn’t famous only because it’s owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; it also has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best Côtes de Provence rosés on the market.

Miraval rosé is produced by the Perrin family, the globally renowned French winemakers of the superb Rhone wines at Chateau de Beaucastel. And when they say it’s a work of art, they’re not exaggerating.

This exquisite rosé is made with a blend of organic grapes and the sweet, acidic notes of rich raspberries make it a great pairing with traditional Côtes de Provence food like bouillabaisse and shellfish.

5. Château Minuty M Côtes de Provence Rosé

Photo credit: [IG] ilyafoodstories

Originally built in the mid-19th century under Napoleon III, ​​Gabriel Farnet acquired Château Minuty in 1936 and began replanting the whole estate. The Matton family has now run the state for four generations.

Brothers Jean-Etienne and François Matton took over in the 1990s and Jean-Etienne’s daughter Anne-Victoire Matton came on to the scene in 2022. They’ve continued to renovate the vineyards and now use an outstanding blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Tibouren grapes.

As a family, they’ve turned the estate into a world-class producer of Côtes de Provence rosé. The clear pink Château Minuty M Rosé is summer in a glass with notes of peach, candied orange, grapefruit, red berries, and bitter almonds. It’s rich, zesty, and refreshing and it’s the perfect way to cool down on a balmy summer’s day.

The beautiful bottle also offers a dose of family history as it was originally designed by Jean-Etienne and François Matton’s mother in the 1960s. Enjoy a bottle by the beach with olives, tapenade, shellfish, or salade niçoise, for a dreamy Provençal summer.

 

What is your favourite Côtes de Provence rosé? Let us know in the comments below…

 

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Europe, Luxury Journeys

Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

April 21, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments

With its beautiful and quintessential architecture built upon canals and a myriad of small lanes to explore and get lost in for hours, Venice represents a burst of culture and history unlike any other. From Bellini cocktails and extravagant venetian masks to magnificent sights and luxurious hotels, how would you spend an extra 24 hours in Venice? Dine, sleep, do, here are our recommendations.

Where to stay – Bauer Palazzo 

Divinely located on the Grand Canal, just off St Mark’s Square, five-star luxury meets 1930s glamour at the Bauer Palazzo. Epitomizing the allure and decadence of the true Venetian lifestyle, step into a world of sumptuous interiors that transport you to a bygone era. Bask in the sublime views from the terraces and enjoy all that Venice has to offer.

This exquisite hotel is located just a few blocks from the iconic St Mark’s Square, making it enviably placed for you to delight in the many spectacular Venice attractions and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city. Admire the sights in the morning sun before the day trippers arrive and settle back in peace and calm when they depart. Sip a famous Bellini cocktail or a glass of fine Italian wine on the hotel’s elegant terraces, and gaze upon the Chiesa della Salute, one of the most spectacular landmarks of the city

Also read: How to spend 24 hours at 7 of the most exquisite hotels around the world

Where to dine – Glam Enrico Bartolini

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, there’s even more time to appreciate the delights of Italian cuisine, so why not treat yourselves to an unforgettable gourmet experience at the two Michelin-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini? For food connoisseurs this is one of the ultimate things to do in Venice. In a gloriously romantic setting, with magnolia trees shading you from the Venetian sun, the Glam restaurant is a destination in its own right. And the pairing of multi-Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini and Resident Chef Donato Ascani offers striking cuisine. Admire magnificent views of the Grand Canal whilst savoring intense and harmonious flavors, utilizing a wide variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs. This is true alfresco dining at its finest.

If you prefer to dine at your hotel, the Bauer Palazzo offers two exceptional gourmet restaurants: The Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant and the De Pisis. Delight in creative dishes featuring a fusion of different accents brought together by the culinary cultures of the Venetian and Mediterranean regions, all with spectacular views.

Where to go:

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

A unique landmark of Venetian architecture, the 12th century Torre dell’Orologio or St. Mark’s Clock Tower is well worth a visit. Here you can climb the Campanile or clock tower, the tallest building in Venice at 99 meters, for spectacular views of La Serenissima. Note that this is a popular attraction and tickets must be booked in advance. Either choose a VIP ticket to skip the queues, or you’re perfectly located at the Bauer Palazzo to head out early ahead of the day visitors.

Photo by Tjaard Krusch on Unsplash

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, we highly recommend taking a day trip to the enchanting island of Burano. One of the most memorable places to visit in Venice, the island’s Kodachrome colored fishing houses are a photographer’s dream. Famous for its lace and seafood, this active fishing village has many delights to offer. If you want to experience the magic of the canals and the picturesque buildings in a much more relaxed atmosphere, Burano is the place for you.

Travel with Luxury Gold and your Travelling Concierge* will happily assist and advise you with locating and reserving tickets for sights and events.

Shopping:

Photo courtesy of: https://lauramorelli.com/

The delicate beauty of Venetian lace is coveted worldwide, and this is your chance to source from master craftsmen. The ultimate souvenir, Venetian lace became popular in the 15th century, and the dexterity of its craftsmen can be traced back to the making and repairing of fishing nets. Lace has long been a specialty of the afore mentioned island of Burano and it’s here that you can visit the Lace Museum for a fine selection and good deals. If you are shopping in downtown Venice then the lace dealer of choice is Jesurum, on Calle Larga XXII Marzo.

Photo by Andrea Woods on Unsplash

Handmade Venetian masks also make for the most exquisite souvenir or gift. And, for an unforgettable outing we recommend a visit to Ca’ Macana, located at Dorsoduro 3215. Not just a shop, but a complete experience, you can touch, try on and photograph the masks freely. A memorable thing in Venice to do, learn the history and meaning of the masks and see unusual creations and unique pieces not sold anywhere else. Here you will also find the models made for Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s provocative 1999 film, starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.

If you are looking for the biggest names in Italian fashion; Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, then the elegant Calle XXII Marzo is only a few steps from Saint Mark’s Square.

Tempted to spend an extra 24 hours in Venice?

Book on our 12-Day Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour and stay an extra 24 hours in Venice, the perfect way to finish your journey. For a limited time, Luxury Gold is offering the Gift of an Extra Night on selected tours from our collection. The ultimate gift of time, imagine what you would do with an extra night in some of the world’s most exquisite hotels, at no additional cost.

*Though your Luxury Gold Travelling Concierge will not be with you for your extra 24 hours, as true connoisseurs of your destination they will happily assist with recommendations and reservations to make your extended stay unforgettable.

 

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Europe, Luxury Journeys

5 incredible photographs to take from Switzerland’s Glacier Express

March 23, 2022 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Switzerland is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery, with some of its most incredible photographs captured from the panoramic carriages of the Glacier Express.

Whether chugging through looping tunnels (which are considered some of the longest in the world) or passing over breath-taking viaducts the views are simply breath-taking. As ravines rush below, there are plenty of opportunities to snap up some of the most picturesque panoramas in the country.

Known affectionately as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express route from Zermatt to St. Moritz covers over 170 miles. It crosses almost 300 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels and takes roughly seven and a half hours from start to finish.

A masterpiece of technical ingenuity on the inside and beautiful scenery on the outside, here’s a guide to capturing some incredible photos of Switzerland on your first-class Glacier Express journey.

The Mattertal

One of the most stunning sites in Switzerland, the Mattertal makes for perfect photographs. It is fringed by a number of ‘four-thousanders’ in the mountain department, including the majestic Matterhorn and Weisshorn, as well as even older glaciers. Making the most of the area’s sensational contours, the Glacier Express dips with the valley down from almost 2,000 meters to the charming towns of Visp and Brig, which both sit at roughly 650 meters above sea level.

OBERALP PASS

From Sedrun, the line becomes increasingly steep until the train reaches its highest summit at the Oberalp Pass, at 2,033 meters. Located near to the source of the Rhine, which is marked by a lighthouse, the pass gained importance when 19th century tourists insisted on being taken on horseback via its striking windswept scenery, and it has been an essential stop for budding photographers ever since.

The Rhine Gorge

After leaving Disentis, the Glacier Express encounters a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Ruinaulta, which is as close as Europe gets to anything approaching the Grand Canyon. Created when 10,000 million cubic meters of rock broke off an even bigger mass thousands of years ago, the result – dotted with steep valleys, deep caves, fabulous wildlife and dark pine forests – undoubtedly makes for one of the most stunning photographs of Switzerland.

Landwasser Viaduct

As the train follows the Albula Valley, just before reaching Filisur, it crosses the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Used as the main location for the Glacier Express publicity shots, this is quite possibly one of Switzerland’s most photogenic spots. Running from a cliff-edge on one mountain, across a vertiginous valley and then straight into a mountain tunnel, it’s easy to imagine such a scene from a James Bond movie.

Engadin Valley

Blend the tall peaks of the ‘roof of Europe’ with a chain of blissful lakeside scenes and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from Engadin. Dominated by the chic ski resort of St Moritz, the area’s steep-roofed, wall-painted houses, surrounded by the country’s only national park, look like Narnia in the snow and a scene out of The Sound of Music in the summer. For one of the most iconic photographs of Switzerland, keep your eyes peeled for the red funicular that runs up the Muottas Muragl Mountain – definitely one for the photo album.

If the sight of these stunning scenes has you itching to capture Switzerland on camera, book a spot on the Glacier Express on our Magical Switzerland luxury guided tour. Discover the highlights of this journey from Traveling Concierge Daniele in our blog Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

For more information on Majestic Switzerland, and our full collection of luxury guided tours please visit our  website  and download our 2022 & 2023 interactive brochure. 

 

 

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