Côtes du Rhône

Domaine des Bosquets in Gigondas has been making wine for six centuries. Set on vineyards working up the hills, they produce the reds we know from this area, GSM, as well as Grenache Blanc/Roussane whites and a 100% Grenache noir rosé. In addition to blends, they have a number of single varietal wines including one from Very Old Mourvèdre.

At Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a family affair, dating back six generations. Their focus on reds and whites typical of the area is reflected in the 13 types of grapes grown in the soils of limestone, large pebbles, sandstone, and clay. These Rouges can age, so we brought a couple home to store and picked up a Blanc to enjoy that evening.

When in the Southern Rhone, why not do a vertical? With six bottles from Domaine Usseglio Raymond et Fils, spanning about 25 years, we worked our way through the wines, noting age, colour, development, sediment, and fruitiness in each. While all delicious, we found the ones hovering around 10 years to be quite remarkable.   

Like the Hollywood sign for Vacqueyras enthusiasts. 

No trip to the area is complete without a stop to see the famous galets roulés of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I've heard differing thoughts and opinions on their warming effect on the soil. In what was once the bottom of a sea in the Miocene and Pliocene eras (roughly 150-200 million years ago). Regardless of the stone debate, the bush trained vines are something to note. Le Mistral sweeps through this a

At family-run Le Sang des Cailloux in Vacqueyras, we toured the winery with Serge Férigoule, who became owner of the estate in 1990. Bringing with his knowledge of agriculture, he transitioned the winery away from chemical products towards viticulture respectful of nature. They are now biodynamic and producing some fantastic wines. Their mane grapes are Grenache and Syrah, with some Mourvèdre, Cin