Domaines of the Southern Rhone (3 nights)
Our 3 night wine tour is the perfect introduction to the region which Robert Parker describes as: “The greatest quality/price ratio of any top red wine region in the world”
Day 1
Settling in/Briefing/Champagne apero/Fine Wine Dinner
Arrive at accommodation late afternoon (around 5pm is ideal), settle in with an introduction to the programme. At 6pm we start the “Rhone Wine Briefing” from Philip, a concise “everything you need to know about the wines you are going to be tasting over the days ahead”, the history, geography, varieties and their character, appellation system, viticulture and vinification – we keep the education light but informative and fun!
Its followed by a Champagne aperitif on the terrace, dinner is at home this first evening - on the terrace if the weather is fine. We will taste two fine wines over dinner, perhaps a white Lirac from Domaine Mordoree followed by a fine red Chateauneuf du Pape such as a Grand Tinel 2012. A Muscat de Beaumes de Venise will accompany your dessert.
Day 2
Chateauneuf du Pape/Provencal Restaurant Lunch/Fine Wine Dinner
Your first day takes you straight to the pride of the southern Rhone: Chateauneuf du Pape, an appellation literally right on your doorstep. We will visit and taste at four exceptional estates.
Example itinerary: Start at Domaine Pegau, internationally famous wines made by the appellation’s premier female wine maker Laurence Feraud, followed by Domaine Solitude, a producer whose lineage is traceable to servants of the Avignon popes and where we will be treated to a tasting in their private tasting room.
Lunch today is at the restaurant Verger des Papes just below the ruin of the old Papal summer palace, after which we conclude our Chateauneuf day with a visit to Chateau La Nerthe with it’s stunning 18th century chateau and atmospheric cellars. Finally the artisanal Jean-Paul Versino`s Bois de Boursan – producer of sublime very traditional reds, especially Cuvée Felix. We return to the accommodation in time for you to recharge, perhaps take a dip in the pool and get ready for your aperitif on the terrace.
Dinner this evening is at one of the finest restaurants in the region Fleur Bleu
Day 3
Crus/CduR Villages/Ventoux/Winemaker lunch/Jude's final night Dinner
In the morning we set out to visit two of the best estates along the Dentelles de Montmirail escarpment. Example itinerary: You will taste at either the Brechet family’s estate “Domaine des Bosquets” at Gigondas, one of the oldest estates of the appellation with a stellar reputation or Chateau Saint-Cosme, Louis Barroul's Gigondas powerhouse as well as Domaine Mourchon at Seguret, one of the best of the Cotes du Rhone Villages and currently achieving Parker scores of 92-94, remarkable for the appellation.
Lunch today is made by Henri Bungener, owner and winemaker at Clos du Caveau, a superb organic property in the Dentelles hills. Alfresco on Henri's terrace if the weather is fine and we will taste his range of Vacqueyras Cru wines over our lunch. In the afternoon we might visit one of the rising stars of the Ventoux appellation eg Philippe Gimel`s Saint Jean de Barroux. Philippe is a live wire vigneron with boundless energy and passion for his craft, he has been rewarded with the first ever Parker 95 score for a Ventoux wine.
Dinner will be at the accommodation prepared by Jude accompanied by some mature examples of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, preceded by one of our favourite local viogniers perhaps the acclaimed whites from Domaine Alary “Estevenas”, followed by the superb 2016 vintage Gigondas of Domaine Goubert and a 2016 Le Cailloux CDP red. Another dessert wine , a Muscat or a sweet Rasteau ( Grenache grape) will accompany your dessert.
Day 4
Departure following your breakfast