The Rhône Valley is the second largest producer of AOC wines in France. The range of wines produced is as large as the region itself: about 70,000 hectares dedicated to the making of 388 million bottles from numerous different appellations.
The Rhône Valley was the result of an epic geological clash between the Massif Central and the Alps, creating a rift valley which was flooded by the Mediterranean. Today, the valley’s soils consist of four different types of rock: granite, sandy silica, limestone and clay. The bedrock plays an essential role in the way in which the growing vines are supplied with water, determining the varied aromas and flavors of Rhône wines.
The vineyards of the Rhône Valley run along the banks of the Rhône River in southeast France, which originates from the Rhône glacier in the Swiss Alps, flows 500 miles though Lake Geneva, Lyon, Avignon and then into the Mediterranean Sea. The sunny climate and Mistral wind from the Alps down to the Mediterranean has nurtured vines and winemaking in the region for over 2,000 years. Rhône Valley wines exhibit rich and concentrated flavors due to the regional soil diversity and warmth of the sun. The region offers beautiful rosés, whites and red blends, made from 20+ different grape varietals, notably Grenache and Syrah.
Friday Flight 4 - 8pm $12 for 5 pours with 3 additional wines for purchase.
Domaine de Fenouillet Beaumes-de-Venise Rose 2024 $16 - (60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah) Vivid, spicy and bright red fruit with vibrant acidity.
Domaine Clavel Côtes du Rhône 2022 $14 - A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Marselan, this nose offers juicy ripe plums and currants with a slight candied edge. The palate is balanced and loaded with black cherry, saffron and a round stone and clay finish.
Domaine de Fenouillet Beaumes-de-Venise Rouge 2022 $15 - This cuvée is a blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Carignan. Spicy red fruit, subtle tannins, and white pepper,
Chateau Pesquie Le Paradou Ventoux 2021 $16 - Made from 100% Grenache (75-year-old vines) and aged 7 months in concrete tank, it offers up a naked expression of Grenache with meaty black cherry, pepper, dried Provencal herbs and earth all soaring from the glass.
Paul Autard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 $20 - 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Bright flavors of raspberry, strawberry, cherry, and red currant, all wonderfully complemented by lifted aromatic notes of lavender, classic Southern Rhône garrigue, and a dash of black pepper.
Let's move to the Northern Rhône Valley for the bonus pours.
These 3 wines are all from Vincent Paris. Vincent Paris, whose first vintage was 1997, is as shy as his wines are bold. In his early 30's, he has retro sideburns, but not much else about this appellation's established star is "retro". Vincent's uncle is Robert Michel, one of Cornas' finest growers. He made his two first wines with his uncle and then, seeking autonomy, rented facilities for the vinification of his most recent wines. He is in the process of building his own winemaking facilities with a courtyard that holds his apricot plantation.
Vincent Paris Syrah VdP des Collines Rhodaniennes 2023 $23 - This Syrah comes from young vines in Crozes-Hermitage, but the wine gets classified as a “wine of the land” versus village level. Aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by subtle notes of black pepper, violets, and a hint of smoked meat.
Vincent Paris "Granit" Blanc 2023 $32 - Only 5% of wine made in Northern Rhône Valley is white. This wine is made of 66% Viognier, 34% Roussane. The vines are planted on North-facing slops in the Cornas appelation, a rarity, since Cornas is mostly known for its red wine production. The wine itself is unique and limited, and tops out at 200 cases produced annually. The Viognier offers orchard fruit flavors, while the sandy granite soils in the vineyard bring out the Roussane's super sharp minerality.
Vincent Paris Crozes-Hermitage 2022 $48 - Dry, low acidity, intense but polished tannin, and full body. The palate brims with black fruit, roast plum, vanilla, oak, pepper, black olive, licorice, and spice. Pure Syrah so try with something gamey or peppery.