Synopses & Reviews
On a sunny day in the South of France, over a typically langorous French lunch, Jamie Ivey, his wife, Tanya, and their friend, Peter, discover the distinct pleasures of drinking a bottle of cool, pale rosé in the Mediterranean sun. Far from the plonk he's used to in England, Jamie is entranced by a blushing wine that is seen as no more than an aperitif by the French, but one that is rising in popularity all over the world. Owing to a translation mishap, Jamie finds himself challenged to the task of finding the palest bottle of rosé in France. Rising to the occasion, Jamie sets off with Tanya and Peter in tow through the vineyards of France to find the elusive bottle. They visit the main rosé producing areas, trawl through every tiny bar and sample the local bistros. Peter noses out the local specialties, as well as the best purveyors for threateningly odoriferous cheeses. "Extremely Pale Rosé" is food and travel writing in the best tradition as Jamie and his fellow travelers eat, sip, and taste with the colorful vintners, chefs, bakers and townspeople who live in and among the vineyards. Readers will be delighted. It's the perfect book to read on a summer day while sipping a glass of icy Bandol, nibbling on a bit of baguette and dreaming of the south of France.
Review
"As with rosé, the ultimate fun wine...what counts is atmosphere, wit and of course amusing French people. It's great fun to read, especially if you enjoy sticking you nose into all sorts of little-known corners of France. The Iveys...can't help but enjoy themselves, and so will readers."--Eric Asimov, The New York Times' blog, "The Pour""A light, entertaining tale."--Wine Enthusiast"Witty escapism for those who enjoy, or enjoy reading about, good wine, good food, and good travel."--Library Journal"Delightfully quirky debut....Full-bodied."--Kirkus"In this carefree, breezy romp through the vineyards of Southern France, Jamie Ivey infuses a simple wine with the beauty of the countryside. Ivey will change the way you think of--and drink--rosé forever."--Natalie McLean, James Beard Award-winning publisher of Nat Decants at www.nataliemaclean.com
Synopsis
Extremely Pale Rosé follows Jamie Ivey's charming journey as he, his wife, Tanya, and their hilariously debauched friend, Peter, travel the south of France in search of the palest of rosés. Far from the plonk he's used to, Jamie finds something fantastic about a cool, pale rosé on a hot day. Due to a translation mishap, Jamie is taunted by a local vintner that there is no paler rosé than hers and embarks on a quest to find one. Setting off on a ramshackle tour of France in search of the elusive bottle that meets the standards set, they visit main rosé producing areas and through eccentric locals discover much the regions have to offer. With wit, candor, and wonderful storytelling, Jamie Ivey maintains a tradition of excellence in food and travel writing. Readers are left with dreams of France, summer days, baguettes, and--extremely pale rosé.
About the Author
JAMIE IVEY was a formerly a lawyer in London. This is his first book.