Crisp rosés, neapolitan pizzas and tipsy/competitive sports.
Starting to let the summer clichés just roll out in glorious succession.
Hello, it’s great to
see you again.
Editor – Phoebe Tully
—
It genuinely wasn’t my intention to offer you two French-style drinking-based activities in this edition, but maybe that’s just December for you.
Or maybe that’s just me for you?
As we head into our third La Niña summer, sunny days are even more precious this season. And sunny days to me are all about parks and chilled drinks and longgg conversations that you can actually finish because no one is rushing off to the next thing.
So in this edition, there’s also reading, listening, cooking and watching suggestions for the inevitable rainy days ahead, to fend off any dreariness while we wait for the sun to re-emerge. Celebrating The Small Things requires no raincheck.
Leaning into the clichés.
Depending on your competitive energy, pétanque is either a game of rigour and strategy or it’s standing around, drinking Ricard ($). But either way, with summer comes boules.
The basic rules are thus: land your big steel balls ($$) closer to the little ball than the other team does. Keep both feet on the ground when throwing, and I reckon that’s about it.
It’s a game of lazy Sunday afternoons in the park and, famously, pastis. Pastis is a strong anise liqueur, somewhat similar to Greece’s ouzo. Some find it disgusting, and those people would be correct. But if you’re still curious, the traditional way to drink it is at about five parts water to one part pastis. Adding the water instantly transforms your pastis from a clear amber colour to a milky greenish-yellow.
If you’re wondering how it’s possible to play a game of strategy while sipping on a 45% abv aperitif, join the club. See you on the pitch! (Court? Terrain?)
Yes way rosé/rosado/rosato.
I think a rosé wine tasting is the perfect way to greet the beginning of summer – actual summer weather be damned. Decorate your dining table with garden roses and dahlias in varying shades of pink and red, and serve a buffet of food after your tasting to ensure everyone levels out a bit.
Here are some drink recommendations:
The 2022 Lucy M Vino Rosato ($) is made by probably the most reputable natural winemaker in Australia. This super-smashable Italian-style rosé is all citrus and grapefruit, tart berries, woody herbs and a hint of spice.
Deux Moulins’ 2020 Rosé ($) has a bit of an edge, so let it open up for a little before serving. A classic Loire Valley style.
You need a Provence rosé to showcase the traditional style, and Miraval’s Côtes de Provence Rosé ($) is a classic. Or this one ($$) if you want to spoil your guests.
Add in a Spanish version in the form of the 2020 Clarito Rosado ($) from Rioja. It’s minerally and savoury (think limestone and oyster shells) with floral notes. Super interesting, but easy to drink!
Charlotte Dalton’s Mr Lincoln Rose ($) is light and smashable, but with a bit of spice and fruit body to keep things interesting.
DO | Purchase a signature note card for all the thank yous you'll send this party season. I love In The Daylight ($) and Bespoke Press ($) as two Aussie brands. (Can we just bring back thank you notes more generally too?)
MAKE | a classic Neapolitan pizza – specifically in your cast iron pan. Is there anything a cast iron can’t do?
READ | Aesop’s Fables
WATCH | To Catch a Thief (1955)
LISTEN | Bach’s Cello Suites 1, 5 & 6 – Yo-Yo Ma