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Les Cannissons: Take a walk on the wine side

The stylish charming town of St Tropez is a hot spot for the rich and famous, as well as locals and visitors, but take a walk or a drive outside the city walls and you will discover a haven of vineyards, nature and unspoilt countryside with glorious views towards the Mediterranean.

This is wine country and renowned for producing some excellent Provence rosé wines and local red and white wines. Several vineyards are well kept secrets, local long established families have been producing rose wines for generations, toasted and enjoyed in the local region, distributed across France, but not exported to the UK.

Les Cannissons Cotes de Provence

Josh Buckley at H. Barnes & Co has been staying in St Tropez for many years and has become quite a connoisseur of these local wines, and one of his secret favourites is Les Cannissons Rosé 2015. Buckley explains: “The Domaine des Campaux vineyard produces about 120,000 bottles of this wine every year, 95% are sold around St Tropez, mostly to restaurants and cavists. The rest is sold in Paris and Brussels but not in London…yet.”

About the Vineyard

The Domaine des Campaux is situated in the heart of a valley, inside a small mountain range very near St Tropez on the Riviera. Owned since 1954 by the Naveaus, this family estate’s vineyard comprises 32 hectares of south facing vines, growing on schist.

The Production Process

The family has adopted practices of integrated viticulture to protect their ‘terroir’. The grapes are exclusively picked by night to preserve their freshness, after being pressed, they are carefully decanted before a long low-temperature fermentation (17°C). The cuvee “Les Cannissons” rosé comes from a blending of grenache (55%), cinsault (28%), syrah (5%), carignan (7%) and mourvedre (5%).

Les Cannissons wine producer, Clement Brun explains: “This wine is an expression of our terroir because, at every vintage, all the plots enter in the composition of this rosé, so its style is more complex and can be recognised every year.”

How to drink and enjoy Les Cannissons Rose 2015

Josh Buckley advises on how to drink Les Cannissons Rosé 2015, “I recommend opening the bottle a little before the tasting and immediately putting the cork back on it (so the wine takes a breath); serve it at around 10-12°C (not at the fridge temperature, 6°C is too cold). This is unusual, but this particular wine is not affected by oxygen, it’ will improve during the tasting and during the year.”

Tasting Notes

  • Cuvee Les Cannissons Rose 2015
  • Côtes de Provence
  • Pale robe, bright and clear, slightly orange.
  • Delicate aromas of white fruits (pear, lychee) that elegantly bonds with citrus fruits and flowers.
  • Its first palate is fresh and perfumed, then this rosé develops a smooth balance between mineral freshness and sweet body. Dynamism and crispiness are gently softened by its dry sweetness.
  • Drink in 2016, from the aperitif to the dessert.

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St Tropez – luxury living on the French Riviera

Treasure seekers, H. Barnes & Co have been hoarding some of the finest luxury rental properties in St Tropez – an authentic gem glittering on the Cote d’Azur. A long standing affinity and personal connection with this dazzling town has led to H. Barnes & Co establishing an exclusive local alliance with a like-minded property partner to source and secure the perfect holiday property for their clients in St Tropez.

St Tropez Harbour
St Tropez Harbour

History

Up until the beginning of the 20th Century, St Tropez was neither glitzy nor glamorous, but an authentic and typical French fishing village, located on the Cote d’Azur or ‘French Riviera’  in one of the loveliest coastal settings imaginable.

It was not until the 1950’s through the 60’s and 70’s that it began to attract a ‘rich rock and roll’ crowd, which today continues with many celebrities and millionaires owning second homes in the old town and surrounding villages and holidaying here through the summer. Famous names such as Brigitte Bardot, Mick Jagger and Gunter Sachs have helped to raise the town’s profile and create an ‘exclusive’ feel.

St Tropez today

As this ‘jet set’ crowd poured in, it created a demand for more stylish amenities and many entrepreneurs and business people spotted an opportunity to profit from the influx of money and spending power. This saw some of the most iconic beach restaurants, clubs and hotels becoming established – Club 55 beach restaurant (established in 1955) , Chateau de la Messardier , Les Caves du Roy nightclub . Aside from some of the best beach clubs and restaurants in St Tropez, the convenience of the town and the beaches only seven minutes from the town centre make it very unique compared with Ibiza or Mallorca and incredibly convenient as a relaxing destination.

View of the bay of St Tropez
View of the bay of St Tropez

Today St Tropez offers something for everything and is one of the most popular European holiday and second home destinations.

Josh Buckley at H. Barnes & Co has been going to St Tropez for many years and has close family ties with the place, highlights that, “Behind the glitz and the glamour which people think St Tropez is all about, the town has a very different persona.  It is a place rich in history and French Provencal culture, that appeals to all the senses ranging from food and wine, architecture, sailing and of course luxury real estate.”

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St Tropez: property, place and people

Josh Buckley at H. Barnes & Co shares some insider knowledge about a one-off luxury private villa in St Tropez, designed and created by Georgio Armani.

“St Tropez is a place where people ‘meet’, and many friends rent or buy property here in order to be close to one another during the summer. It has always been popular with the Belgians, and Italians, French, Swedish, but also loved by the British, Americans, eastern Europeans, and wealthy Middle Eastern families.

Villa Armani Casa St Tropez
Villa Armani Casa St Tropez pool view at twilight – photo credit Massimo Listri

Over the years, we have seen a shift in demand and popularity for properties closer to the centre of town.  Previously, people were drawn to the aspect of large houses and plots which were typically located towards the beaches of St Tropez.  As time has gone by with the increasing popularity of hotels, restaurants, bars and high end retailers, a new discerning exclusive buyer has emerged, who requires access to all of this on their doorstep. It’s fair to say that such accessibility and properties in poll position are incredibly rare.

A perfect example of this is Villa Armani Casa, which has just been made available to rent for the first time over the summer period, which is situated no more than 500 metres from every major landmark and desirable hotspot in St Tropez, including the celebrated Hotel Byblos and famous main square, Place des Lices.

Armani designed interiors at Villa Armani Casa, St Tropez
Armani designed interiors at Villa Armani Casa, St Tropez – photo credit Massimo Listri

Villa Armani Casa is the masterpiece of Giorgio Armani, who was commissioned to design and create this project from a bare land plot to a beautifully interior and landscaped designed luxury residence with a Tropezienne facade.  It is the first Armani project in St Tropez and took about six years from purchase to completion.  While being in ‘pole position’, it also offers calm and tranquillity with sea views, a south west facing aspect and private gardens with luxurious heated pool.”

For further details on renting Villa Armani Casa (May – November 2016), please contact Joshua Buckley of H.Barnes & Co:

  • T: +33 6233 42538 or 020 7499 3434;
  • E: joshua@hbarnes.london
  • W: www.hbarnes.london

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The Diary of St Tropez

Saint Tropez is well known for its wonderful beaches, stylish hotels, great restaurants and nightlife. Throughout the summer and into the autumn, festivals and annual events are held creating excitement among the locals, attracting visitors and adding even more colour, vibrancy and bustle to this charming authentic town.

11th – 15th June – Rolex Cup Regatta

The 64th year that this most prestigious nautical event has taken place with a combination of regattas along the coast and in the bay. This event attracts experienced seamen and showcases boats with some of the most advanced technology.

Saint Tropez sail boat sailing in regatta
14th July – Bastille Day

On this day in 1789, the Bastille was stormed in Paris, an important event with a violent revolution that had begun two days earlier, as well as the Fête de la Fédération to celebrate the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. On this day the whole of France celebrates and remembers the events that led to becoming a Republic and independence.

21st July – Belgian National Day

Anniversary of when Leopold swore allegiance to the constitution as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.

18th August – Senequier La Boule Grand Prix

‘Trophee Senequier’ held annually in the main square in St Tropez, the Places des Lices, where this competitive local petanque/boules championship takes place.

boules petanque

24th September to 2nd October – Les Voiles

Each year, Les Voiles de St Tropez regatta draws a spectacular array of yachts from day-sailers to superyachts, together with some of the best looking maxis and performance cruisers in the world. Of the most eye-catching are the different sized classic yachts, which line up stern to the quayside in St Tropez’s harbour. Every year, the event pulls in thousands of visitors who come to watch the regatta at the end of September, which is one of the nicest times to visit St Tropez as it quietens down out of season.

st-tropez-185672_1920
28th – 31st October – La Grande Braderie de St Tropez

In late October over a few days the stylish boutiques of Saint Tropez take their clothes outside and set out stalls and hanging racks, selling everything at massively reduced prices. This is traditional custom for clothing retailers throughout France and whizzes up a flurry of excitement for those in search of a perhaps a Chanel jacket, Gucci scarf or Prada skirt may just strike lucky! This is a time of real relaxed fun in the town and there is always a sense of fun and frisson of excitement in the air.

clothing-842338_1920

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Great French Food on the Bank of the Thames

The sparkling new residential development at Albion Riverside is a luxury tower built on what was once bleak neglected waste ground with a tiny water inlet on the banks of the River Thames.

Albion Riverside

Although this six bedroom swanky apartment does boast an 18ft sleek minimalist white kitchen, with a separate laundry and utility room and acclimatised wine room, it’s not a cook’s kitchen, far more of a party pad with acres of entertaining space.

Albion Riverside Kitchen

Fortunately, whoever buys the place, will live near some culinary gems who can do all the cooking – delightful restaurants offering great food and atmosphere.

Augustine Kitchen

The Augustine Kitchen is a mere 0.6 miles away, headed up by Michelin Star winning chef Franck Raymond, who earned two stars while in Geneva as Head Chef at Le Marignac before running his own restaurant in Evian. On moving to London, Raymond was Head Chef at Mon Plaisir in Covent Garden, has worked at Marco Pierre White’s Oak Room and the Titanic, and been Head Pastry Chef at Kensington Palace.

Augustine Kitchen is French family inspired restaurant that seats just 45 offering an intimate and convivial atmosphere. Wine is carefully chosen to reflect the dishes that use the best local and authentic ingredients and produce are inspired by the Evian region from where proprietor, Franck Raymond hails, having named the restaurant after his beloved grandmother.

Interesting and most importantly appetising charcuterie comes from Monsieur Colliard and a fourth generation fisherman, Monsieur Anyhy sur Leman supplies this authentic restaurant with the best catch of the day. Some of the signature dishes include: fillet of sea bream bouillabaisse; slow cooked pork shank with flageolets and sage jus and roast duck magret with spicy poached pear and timut pepper sauce.

Desserts will include:  Dark chocolate mousse with chocolate and caramel sauce and passion fruit sorbet; Coconut floating island with lime and vanilla custard and rice pudding, pink pralines and pistachio. Augustine Kitchen also offers a tempting tapas menu in the bar with delights such as: black pudding and apple tartelette; duck rillettes and Reblochon and bacon gougères.

Website: http://www.augustine-kitchen.co.uk/

Twitter: @AugustineSW11

Contact H. Barnes & Co – Tel: 020 7499 3434

Our service will be committed, impartial and utterly discreet; and it can also be tailored to suit any requirements you might have.
CONTACT H. BARNES & CO