Sablet. A sensuous Southern Rhone wine from one of the most romantic villages in France.

The vineyards of Sablet, in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, are built on a mound of sand, from which its name derives. The town and its surrounding vineyards are located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The terroir is of sandy soils and decalcified red clays mixed with pebbles of

Rhône Valley wine region in 7 days.

Visiting the Rhône Valley wine region. A while back I had the good fortune to visit the various Rhône valley wine regions for seven days. The areas within are visually beautiful. The wines of the North can best be described as elegant and delicate. In contrast, the wines of the South are rustic and full of

On the lookout for truly great red wines? Look into this one. Structure, balance, and very impressive

What do we have to do to get truly great wines? I don’t know about you, but personally, I’m not impressed often enough with the red wines people bring to the house when I’m entertaining. Don’t get me wrong. I’m thankful for the gift, and even more thankful that they’ve come so I can enjoy

Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and …

My recent visit to Gigondas, Rhône, France. Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. I am here to taste the iconic wines of the area: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes de Venise. I’m finding truly excellent and affordable wines here. The further south I go

Rhone Part 7, Sunday: We are in the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape today. We park near the tower…

… We park near the tower and survey the gravel, limestone, and clay soil in these hallowed vineyards. The Grenache vines are very old, thick, and twisted, just beginning to sprout new shoots for the Season. The Syrah vines are distinctly thinner in appearance. As we descend into the village, the bell tolls; it’s Sunday

Rhone Part 5, Friday: Tastings in Chateau de Grignan then on to Chateauneuf

Chateau de Grignan This chateau is a large imposing facility high on a hill. Dozens of wines tasted. A great representation of Rhone. Now on to Chateau de Suze-la-Rousse, the home of the Wine University in the area. The wines of Grignan, Vinsobres and Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages, are marvellous here. For

Rhone Part 6, Saturday: we drive from home base in Cairanne to a chateau and then to Pont-du-Gard…

… In Pont-du-Gard to visit with 39 wineries who’ve set up for the day. We’re in the shadow of the Roman aqueduct & bridge. A very picturesque setting. We taste wines from Tavel – home of famous rosé wines, Lirac and many more Cote du Rhone wines. Memorable wines: – ’09 Domaine Coudoulis Cotes du

Rhone valley part 4 continued…

Rhone Part 4, Thursday: it warms up quite a bit today with lots of sun. Beautiful Gigondas village is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. I’m tasting Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes de Venise today. I’m finding truly excellent and affordable wines here. The further south I go, the more robust and

Rhone Part 4, Thursday: it warms up quite a bit today with lots of sun.

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Rhone Part 3, Wednesday: in Tain L’Hermitage, an attractive village on the Rhone. On the way we visit a centuries-old village…

… called Châteaubourg complete wth castle. It has a veritable fairy-tale look. Now we’re into the Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray. Whereas yesterday’s wines were quite delicate, many of today’s have more body. The big wineries, like Jaboulet, are in fine form, but the really interesting stuff is among the smaller producers. I’m meeting