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WINE REGIONS Rhone |
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Rhone Valley Wines Beaumes-De-Venise Tucked beneath the Dentelles
de Montmirail Mountains, the tiny town of Beaumes-de-Venise is a Cote du
Rhone village more widely known for its dessert wine, Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise,
than its other fine offerings of Cotes du Rhone-Villages, both red and
white.
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Located near Avignon, this is the granddaddy of Southern Rhone wines. Thirteen different grape varieties are allowed to be used in the blending of the white and red wines from this AOC. Spicy, chewy, blockbuster fruit flavors are characteristic for the red. A good Chateauneuf can be matured for ten or more years. 2003 was an excellent vintage while 2005 is being touted as a classic. Condrieu This appellation in the Northern Rhone
region produces white wine from the Viognier grape. A full
bodied-wine with a strong bouquet of apricot and peach aromas and
sometimes slightly sweet. Look for Alain Paret Lys de Volan, Georges
Vernay,
and Guigal and among others. Cornas is a small AOC situated at the
botttom of the Northern Rhone region. The wines here are produced
from Syrah grapes and done in the old style, built to last.
Powerful wines with complex flavors that stay well for 10 years and
improve with time.
Cotes Du Luberon This region was granted AOC
status fairly recently. Situated in the southeastern edge of the
Rhone Valley in Provence. Red, white and rosé wines are produced
from a variety of grapes. Look for Verget du Sud, Val Joanis and
Domaine de la Citadelle among others. Cotes Du Rhone A large appellation, wine labeled Cotes du Rhone can come from just about anywhere in the Rhone Valley. Styles and quality can range fairly wide, sometimes light and acidic, sometimes full and fruity with touches of spice. All in all, it's a good choice for everyday wine and most times the price is right (even a bargain). 2005 produced some pretty consistently good wines. Cotes Du Rhone-Villages There are 16 villages that produce wines which are given the classification Cotes du Rhone-Villages. In most cases, a better grade than plain Cotes du Rhone for slightly more money. The advantage to the buyer is great. Spend a dollar or two more sometimes and you're getting twice as much flavor for the price. Cotes Du Ventoux Until recently, this AOC took
a backseat to Cote du Rhone. But these days the wines are just as
good, if not better. Near Mount Ventoux in the Southern Rhone and
producing light but nicely flavored wines, they are sometimes more
complex than the neighbors to the west. Look for Chemin du Soleil,
Jaboulet Les Traverses and Domaine Fondreche among others. Crozes-Hermitage In the Northern Rhone, red
wine is made from one grape, Syrah. Similar to the Burgundian
philosophy, the terroir is what is most important. Cornas,
Cote Rotie and Hermitage command the highest prices. If you're
interested in an inexpensive introduction to these wines, Crozes-Hermitage
is the place to go. Look for Domaine du Pavillon, Caves de Tain
and Vidal Fleury among others. Gigondas Situated close to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas is probably putting out wines that are just as good these days. Intense, spicy fruit-bombs that are ranking consistently high and demanding similar prices. Once a Cotes du Rhone-Villages AOC, it has earned its status as a stand-alone appellation and one of the top Southern Rhone wines. 2003, 2004 and 2005 are all very good to excellent years for this wine. Lirac Along with Tavel (famous for its rosé)
Lirac is one of the two most westerly villages in the Rhone Valley,
keeping it from the notoriety shared by the villages in the east.
This is unfortunate because the wines can be just as good. Both
red and white have improved in recent years. Look for Chateau de
Segries. St. Joseph Probably the best bargain in all
the Rhone. Northern Syrah grown on the hillside terraces behind
the city of Tournon and around the town of Mauves. A close cousin
to Hermitage across the river. Spicy, deep roasted fruit flavors
and ready to drink. Vacqueyras Another village once a part of CDR-V and granted its own appellation status. Located right next store to Gigondas, this AOC has recently provided some stellar offerings, in many cases living up to the quality level of its neighbors. A recent tasting showed the most intense and complex wine I've tried all year. OTHER RHONE VALLEY AOC: Brézème Chateau Grillet Clairette Du Die Cotes Du Tricastin Cote Rotie Hermitage St. Peray Tavel
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