Fête Nationale, called Bastille Day in English-speaking countries, is next Wednesday July 14. This holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison and the beginning of the French Revolution. In France, families celebrate 14 Juillet much like our July 4th with parades, picnics and fireworks. Here in Seattle, you can start the day watching the Tour de France cycling race and take in the beautiful French countryside. Then, head down to Paris Madrid Grocery where we’ve got you covered for French picnic supplies. Pick up a selection of luscious French cheeses, Jambon de Bayonne from France, assorted pátés, French mustards, cornichons, Champagne, Provençal rosé and enjoy a great repast.
Jambon de Bayonne IGP is back in stock, in 4 oz, packages, pre-sliced. This authentic IGP Jambon de Bayonne is produced in France. A classic, this salty cured mountain ham is excellent on a charcuterie plate or on sandwiches.
Saucisson Sec, Bistro style, is also now in stock, in 4 oz packages, pre-sliced, made in the U.S. One of France’s most popular cured meats, this is made by Bec Fin in New Jersey. A pork sausage imbedded with black peppercorn and spices, it’s a great addition to a charcuterie board.
NEW! We now carry Guanciale Americano. Guanciale is made from the pork jowl and cured for two months in a mix of salt, rosemary and pepper. Guanciale is somewhat like Pancetta except that Pancetta is made from the pork belly. Guanciale is fatty, silky and rich; it’s an essential ingredient in pasta dishes such as spaghetti alla carbonara or bucatini all amatriciana. Italian-made Guanciale is not allowed to be imported into the U.S.; we carry La Quercia’s Guanciale made in Iowa from vegetarian fed and antibiotic free pork. In addition to pasta recipes,Guanciale can be sliced or cut into chunks and pan-fried. The fried chunks make a fantastic Salade Lyonnaise – simpy combine the fried pork with washed and spun friseè or other bitter greens, sherry vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, EVOO and a lightly poached egg. Or use the slices to make a decadent pizza-like Tarte Flambée by substituing Guanciale for the bacon..
NEW! Tails & Trotters Catalan-style Butifarra: We now carry a terrific fresh butifarra sausage from Oregon’s Tails & Trotters. Made from pork fed with hazelnuts, sherry and spices, it is tender and juicy with sweet pork flavors and complex subtle spices. (But don’t despair, butifarra fans, we still carry our standby Dona Juana brand). We grilled a platter of Tails & Trotters Butifarra last weekend, served them with potato salad and the 2015 Poblets del Montsant red wine. This combination made for a very happy 4th of July at our house.
NEW! Aurelia’s Chorizo is back in stock: Made in Texas, it’s naturally smoked and fully cooked. It’s a bit spicy and does not need refrigeration so it’s perfect for hiking or camping trips, especially if you like a little spice in your chorizo. It can be sliced and eaten or used in paella, on sandwiches, or scrambled eggs.
WINES NOT TO MISS:
Commanderie de la Bargemone rosé, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 2020 ($17.99) We’ve got a splendid array of dry rosés to choose from but Bargemone stands out for its all-day-long refreshment at a very reasonable price. 45% Grenache, 21% Cinsault, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, farmed biodynamically on a historic estate founded by the Knights Templar.in the 13th century. Classic wild strawberry and currant notes with a light floral character and a crisp bone-dry palate.
L. Aubry Fils Brut NV Champagne ($48.00) This is a fantastic Champagne to celebrate with. “A creamy viscosity complements the texture of this harmonious version. An accessible crowd-pleaser, with lightly juicy acidity and delicate flavors of chopped almond, baked pear, saline and citrus.” 91 points Wine Spectator
Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly 2018 ($26.99) One of our favorite Cru Beaujolais is finally in stock. A benchmark domaine in Côte de Brouilly, it was founded in 1877. Made of 100% Gamay from 50 year old vines, grown organically (certified) on steep slopes with a 48% grade. Undergoes traditional whole-cluster fermentation to preserve fruitiness and aged in neutral oak foudres for 6 months. “Peppery aromas line the tart cherry and red currant notes of this minerally red. Details of herb, smoke and licorice drop echo on the lightly tannic, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2023.” 90 points Wine Spectator
Poblets del Montsant 2015, Montsant ($21.99) 75% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Montsant is sometimes referred to as “the poor man’s Priorat” as it is located just a few miles from Priorat and the D.O. grows the same varietals. Prices tend to be lower in Montsant as higher-yielding vineyards are easier to work than those in Priorat. 2015 Poblets del Montsant offers up fresh notes of red cherry fruit. Concentrated red and blue fruit flavors have savory hints. Smooth and mineral-laden on the palate, this is a food-friendly red with moderate tannins.