2007 France Trip - Beaucastel, Ferrand, Vielle Julienne, Grand Veneur

Southern Rhone
Tasted Wednesday, May 9, 2007 by Siggy with 2,051 views

Flight 1 - Chateau de Beaucastel (8 Notes)

Our first appointment of the day was at Beaucastel – a repeat visit for me. As was the case last year, we were met by Beaucastel’s sommelier, the highly entertaining and animated Fabrice Langlois, who gave us a great overview of the history of the domaine, its terroirs, and its winemaking philosophy. Fabrice is a man with many interesting analogies. My favorite: “Chateauneuf-du-Pape is orchestral music, and Picpoul is the triangle.” I thought all of the Beaucastel wines showed well.

Flight 2 - Domaine de Ferrand (5 Notes)

We met with Philippe Bravay, who tasted us through his 2006s and 2005s. This producer is deservedly generating some buzz and seems to be on the upswing. I was impressed with his lineup of wines.

Flight 3 - Lunch @ Verger des Papes (2 Notes)

Verger des Papes is a terrific lunch spot. The restaurant is just a few steps from the castle ruins (the Pope’s weekend getaway) in the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. On a clear day, you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy a panoramic view of the Rhone valley to the west and south. The food is traditional Provencal fare with a light and creative twist. The restaurant has an adjacent wine shop, and their selection of recent-vintage Chateauneuf-du-Pape is superb. This was one of my favorite spots last year, and I thought it was even better this year.

Flight 4 - Domaine de la Vielle Julienne (4 Notes)

We met with Andreas Becker for a tasting through Vielle Julienne’s 2005s. The domaine is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2005, and is producing a one-time Cotes-du-Rhone cuvee called “La Bousse” for 120 Euros (!). As was the case last year, I was very impressed with the portfolio of wines.

Flight 5 - Domaine Grand Veneur (9 Notes)

Christophe Jaume tasted us through Grand Veneur’s 2006s and 2005s. I had not visited this domaine before. They have a large lineup of wines, some of which were very impressive.

Flight 6 - Drinks & Dinner @ Le Mas de Gres, Lagnes (5 Notes)

A great restaurant attached to a country inn in Lagnes. The chef prepares one menu, based on whatever is fresh in the market that morning. Tonight it was Provencal ravioli in a butter sauce, roasted “Lap” (a Mediterranean white fish) with fresh peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar, three kinds of chevre, and an amazing “Moilleux” liquid chocolate cake with a vanilla sauce.

×
×