1989 was a very good year. So was 2009. British author and decorated Francophile
Peter Mayle, the creator of the modern travel memoir, published his first book in 1989. It was called A Year in Provence, and it chronicled his move to France and the restoration of an old farmhouse. Most of his works, romancing the French culture, became bestsellers thanks to the many characters he met along the way, and his way with words.
In 2009, he wrote the first in a four-part series about glamorous capers. The Vintage Caper was all about a multinational wine heist. Rogue investigator Sam Levitt followed the trail of an extraordinary collection of 500 priceless bottles of stolen wine from Hollywood to Bordeaux and the south of France before solving the mystery.
I suspect that by now you are wondering what Peter Mayle has to do with Dearly Decanted, which is after all, a wine column. Simply put, when you are learning about wine, inspiration and education can come from anywhere.
I am a big fan of armchair travel. Mayle’s books have virtually transported me to Nice, Monte Carlo, the French Riviera and Paris on numerous occasions.
I researched the vintages he wrote about. I enjoyed many of the wines recommended in his pages. Mayle is single-handedly responsible for my love of Rosé.
He wrote about it with deference. He also gave me confidence to dine alone in restaurants: “The ideal number for dinner is two…myself and the sommelier.”
On a recent trip to the south of France, I hired a car and driver in Marseille to take me to many of the locations in Mayle’s books, including the ruggedly beautiful Le Peron where I enjoyed an amazing meal with a glass of his preferred Rosé. I also interviewed his widow, to get a better sense of her husband.
The bottom line. Be open when inspiration strikes. Whether it’s the wine or the lifestyle associated with it, take the time to appreciate the experience.
Treat your palate. Sample widely on your travels whether in person or from the comfort of your favorite armchair.
