Sip Righteous Rhone!

I'm Good Wine Gal. I blog about "good wine" and how to find it! I'm love producers who are doing things differently for example, following biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming practices. Wines made with little intervention get me excited. I am a geek, I’ll admit and classic food pairings suit me just fine.

Intro

France is the land of vine and wine. It’s the epicenter, perhaps. Whether it’s the experience of sabering a bottle of champagne or sipping a classic Burgundy or Bordeaux in the vineyards, exploring the vineyards and wines of France often open the flood gates of curiosity and inspiration. If you were not previously a fan of French wine – look out! Everything is about to change. If you are a fan – well then it’s time to dive into the history, geography, grape varieties, traditions and food culture. We are off to sip the Rhone Valley Thursday Dec 10th with Mark Shipway on Zoom! Here’s a pre-amble to the session.

The Rhone Valley
The Rhone Valley might not be at the top of the most famous list but it is a region of great history, quality and value. Rhone reds are based on Syrah in the north and Grenache in the south. The North is a blustery cool climate, rugged region that backs onto the Massif Central. As we move south the ruggedness gives way to the gentle slope in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll find the warmth of the sunny more moderate climate which produce riper grapes and richer styles of wine. In the southern Rhone valley, wines are predominantly red blends often including grape varieties such as Mourvedre or one of the other 18 approved grape varieties.

The Session
"Righteous Rhône" is an online wine class with Mark Shipway, hosted by Good Wine Gal comprised of a comprehensive educational presentation followed by an interactive tasting component focusing on the key red wine appellations of the Rhône Valley, both North and South. Many unique and fascinating red grape varieties are grown here including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsault & Counoise. Grab a bottle, invite a friend, pick up some cheese and join us from the comfort of your home thanks to the power of Zoom.

Recommended Wines of the Rhone Valley
Here is a list of the wine and cheese that suit the Rhône Valley session. Included on the list are some useful links to further your enjoyment of the region. All of the wines mentioned are available in our market although many are only available in selected private wine stores. Where know the agent information is included against each selection. Agents are usually eager to assist potential customers in where to source their wines.

Northern Rhône Valley
Crozes Hermitage AOC – Alain Graillot $58.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Cornas AOC – Vincent Paris Granite 60 $81.93 (Marquis Wine Cellars)

Southern Rhône Valley
Mordoree 2018 Cotes du Rhone “Dame Rousse” $36.43 (Marquis Wine Cellars)
Romain Duvernay 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages “Plan de Dieu” $26 (Marquis Wine Cellars)

Gigondas AOC - Château de Saint Cosme $77.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Gigondas AOC - Domaine Raspail-Ay 2016 $55.57 (Marquis Wine Cellars)


Vacqueyras AOC - Domaine Montirius (agent not known)
Vacqueyras AOC - Romain Duvernay 2016 Vacqueyras $32.95 (Ex. Taxes) (Marquis Wine Cellars)
Vacqueyras AOC - Château des Tours (agent not known)


Ventoux 2017 Martinelle 2017 $36.43 (Marquis Wine Cellars)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Domaine de Beaurenard - Boisrenard $119.99 (http://www.trialto.com/)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Domaine de Vieux Telegraph – La Crau (agent not known)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Chateau de Beaucastel 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 750ml $89.99 (Marquis Wine Cellars) 

If you are a collector or just really want a bottle of E. Guigal’s Lalala series, they are available at Marquis Wine Cellars (2014). 


Recommended Cheeses

Les Amis du Fromage is a great resource for cheese and cured sausages from around the world.

Abondance AOP – semi-hard alpine cow’s milk cheese from the Rhône-Alps.
Saint-Marcellin – soft pungent cow’s milk cheese from the Rhône-Alps (buy young version)
 
Conclusion
The Rhone Valley might not be at the top of the most famous wine list but it is a region of great history, quality and value. The Rhone Valley produces wines of diversity and style with everyday sippers along with age-worthy collectables. Exploring the Rhone Valley with Mark Shipway will help you find value when shopping for wine, ordering wine off a menu or choosing a bottle to go with dinner. Here a little information will go a long way to inspiring and supporting your wine life. 


In preparation for our session or to further your studies here are some links that take you on a deeper dive. Click the links below for more on Rhône Valley and Rhone Valley Wines.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fVFKfa3ejE&t=44s
https://youtu.be/_qGc-iJqrw0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOocBUxqniw


See you Thursday December 10th at 7:30 pm on Zoom. Sip Righteous Rhone!