In Praise of Pink Wine and White Oleander

May was a hot month here, April too, which meant that the trees, flowers and vines came into bud and bloom about three weeks to a month earlier than usual.  We like this, but the négociants or vintners of the region are reserving judgement as too much too soon can have adverse affects on a vintage.

One of the loveliest events of the year is the blooming of the oleander - laurier rose in French - which is a plant dear to the hearts of the South because when its bridal like blossoms fill the streets with glorious confectionary colours and heady scents, summer has truly arrived.

It makes me a little sad to think that oleander is almost actively discouraged in Australia.  It's difficult to grow flowers in Australia due to drought and humidity, yet the flamboyant and festive oleander would thrive in such conditions and add a welcome flash of colour for all of summer and autumn.  

Oleander gets a bad rap as the nectar and sap is poisonous if very large amounts are ingested.  But there are almost no recorded deaths from oleander, and birds and animals are largely resistant to it.  The harm it is supposed to do is more urban myth than reality.

Here, oleander is actively planted everywhere, cultivated, cared for and appreciated.  It's thought of affectionately, rather like the frangipani in Australia.  Perhaps a cultural exchange or a jumelage is needed to promote each plant in the other country?!

I love the pink, it is just so showy and cheerful, the falling petals confetti-like, and the colour is evocative of the delightful pink wines of this region.  The 2013 rosé vintage that we are drinking now is an absolute winner, the long, hot summer of last year producing some wonderful wines of captivating colour and taste.  Should I ever return to Australia, I shall miss rosé wine, it's just so - fun!  There's another cultural exchange I'd like to promote.  Maybe I have found my vocation - the Rosé wine and Laurier Rose ambassador!