Like many of the world’s greatest wine regions, the Rhône Valley region is defined, both geographically and culturally, by the river that runs through it. Perhaps France’s most iconic river, the Rhône follows a powerful north–south course from Lyon to the Mediterranean coast. The just-as-iconic Rhône wine region grew over centuries along its banks. The Rhône is the home of some of the world’s greatest Syrahs – the North is a reference point for all other Syrah-producing regions – as well as producing one of the greatest value wines out there, Côtes du Rhône (mainly in the South, blended with a variety of other grapes including Grenache and Mourvedre). The larger Rhône department has also been the site of the papal seat (Avignon, in the 14th century), contains one of the country’s best universities (Montpelier), and is considered the culinary capital of France. In short, this region has an incredible amount to offer the curious traveler.
THE TERROIR
WINEMAKING
We partner with Château Pesquié, in the insider’s favorite appellation Ventoux. Here three generations of the Chaudière family have put all their passion into producing wines with the characteristic freshness and finesse of this exceptional terroir. The estate enjoys an extraordinary Southern Rhône micro-climate, in which the influence of the mountains, the altitude and the cool temperatures at night all play a part. The vineyards are certified organic, and current generation Alexandre and Frédéric Chaudière tend their vines according to biodynamic principles. This late-ripening terroir is characterized by its geological richness and a predominance of limestone, at the foot of the biodiversity of Mont Ventoux. All of this combines to produce balanced and elegant wines that perfectly reflect the special place where they are born.
CULTURE
When not making Southern Rhône blends, we visit France’s culinary capital Lyon to experience the singular gastronomy of this region so rich in culinary history, we view art and antique shop in tiny Provençal villages, we taste the famous olive oil of the region with its artisanal producers, and we enjoy private tours of the centuries-old cellars of its famous winemaking families.
