What follows is a preliminary draft of a travel section on the Rhone
Valley. In particular, more dining and lodging recommendations would be
welcome (Joseph? Emery?) As always, all comments welcomed.

------------------- Begin C&P ----------------------

3k. The Rhone Valley?
The Rhone Valley is a long stretch alongside the Rhone River, from
immediately south of Lyon to just north of the Mediterranean Sea. This
vast stretch of wine country is typically subdivided into two regions:
the Northern Rhone, running from Vienne in the North to Valence and
producing mostly red wines made from Syrah and white wines made from
either Viognier or Marsanne; and the Southern Rhone, taking in an area
extending ca. 12 mi to the north and south of Orange, and featuring both
red and white wines made from a complex mixture of grapes (up to 13 for
the red wines) but most famous for its Grenache. Most winemakers in
this region are also farmers, so don’t expect tasting rooms staffed with
employees: usually, it’s the winemaker or their family pouring your
wines. For that reason, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time for an
appointment.

Wineries:

Northern Rhone

Thierry Allemand (Cornas) – A superstar making supple Syrah from Cornas
Mathilde & Yves Gangloff (Condrieu) – Great Condrieu and Cote-Rotie
Pierre Gaillard (Malleval) – Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St. Joseph, all good
Jamet (Ampuis) – Fantastic Cote-Rotie from the Jamet brothers
Marcel Juge (Cornas) – Traditional Cornas from an old master
Michel Ogier (Ampuis) – Great Cote-Rotie and VDP Syrah
François Villard (St. Michel) – Great Condrieu, now also Cote-Rotie and
VDP Syrah

Southern Rhone

Beaurenard (CdP) – Traditional CdP, oaky luxury cuvee, good CdR and
Rasteau, too
Bosquet des Papes (CdP) – Honest and traditional Chateauneuf, still
reasonably priced
Clos des Cazaux (Vacqueyras) – More rustic wine than Chateauneuf
Clos des Papes (CdP) – Traditional Chateauneufs from the Avril family
Domaine Durban (Beaumes de Venise) – Great sweet Muscat and beautiful views
Font de Michelle (Bedarrides) – Refined CdP, fine whites, friendly
winemakers
Dom. la Garrigue (Gigondas) – Located on the grounds of the Les Florets
restaurant
Grand Tinel (CdP) – Good value, classic style of CdP; ask about their
table wine
Domaine du Pegau (CdP) – Traditional, powerful CdP, English spoken here
Roger Perrin (Orange) – Best deal in CdP, fabulous in a good year with
terrific depth, declassified CdP sold in bulk
Vieux Telegraphe (Bedarrides) – Very traditional and famous red and
white CdP, now quite pricey

Dining:

Les Florets (Gigondas) – Great food, winery on premises

Lodging:

----------------------- End C&P -----------------------

Mark Lipton

Guigal---Cote Rotie 3 luxury crus(La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque
IIRC), regular Blonde et Brun, Hermitage(makes southern Rhones from
purchased grapes. Friends have told their hospitality is gracious---more
like a papal visit, Actung.

You've only scratched the surface of Gigondas, an excellent QPR zone.

Dining: In Orange "Moishe's House of Snails" gefilte fish to die for besides
the little buggers.(smile)
"Mike Tommasi" > wrote in message
...
> My € 0.02 ...
>
> Mark Lipton wrote:
> > What follows is a preliminary draft of a travel section on the Rhone
> > Valley. In particular, more dining and lodging recommendations would be
> > welcome (Joseph? Emery?) As always, all comments welcomed.
> >
> > ------------------- Begin C&P ----------------------
> >
> > 3k. The Rhone Valley?
> > The Rhone Valley is a long stretch alongside the Rhone River, from
> > immediately south of Lyon to just north of the Mediterranean Sea. This
> > vast stretch of wine country is typically subdivided into two regions:
> > the Northern Rhone, running from Vienne in the North to Valence and
> > producing mostly red wines made from Syrah and white wines made from
> > either Viognier or Marsanne; and the Southern Rhone, taking in an area
> > extending ca. 12 mi to the north and south of Orange, and featuring both
> > red and white wines made from a complex mixture of grapes (up to 13 for
> > the red wines) but most famous for its Grenache. Most winemakers in
> > this region are also farmers, so don’t expect tasting rooms staffed with
> > employees: usually, it’s the winemaker or their family pouring your
> > wines. For that reason, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time for an
> > appointment.
> >
> > Wineries:
> >
> > Northern Rhone
> >
> > Thierry Allemand (Cornas) – A superstar making supple Syrah from Cornas
> > Mathilde & Yves Gangloff (Condrieu) – Great Condrieu and Cote-Rotie
> > Pierre Gaillard (Malleval) – Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St. Joseph, all
good
> > Jamet (Ampuis) – Fantastic Cote-Rotie from the Jamet brothers
> > Marcel Juge (Cornas) – Traditional Cornas from an old master
> > Michel Ogier (Ampuis) – Great Cote-Rotie and VDP Syrah
> > François Villard (St. Michel) – Great Condrieu, now also Cote-Rotie and
> > VDP Syrah
> Yvec Cuilleron (Condrieu, Cote Rotie) - Part of the Cuilleron Gaillard
> Villard trio, makes great Condrieu on his own, the oak is there but well
> integrated
> Alain Graillot (Hermitage, St Joseph) - Best value in Crozes.
> Jean Louis Chave (Hermitage, St Joseph) - Finest Hermitage from a very
> old winery, exciting, ripe wines with a non-interventionist approach
> Chapoutier - Large biodynamic winery with fabulous Hermitage
>
> >
> > Southern Rhone
> >
> > Beaurenard (CdP) – Traditional CdP, oaky luxury cuvee, good CdR and
> > Rasteau, too
> > Bosquet des Papes (CdP) – Honest and traditional Chateauneuf, still
> > reasonably priced
> > Clos des Cazaux (Vacqueyras) – More rustic wine than Chateauneuf
> > Clos des Papes (CdP) – Traditional Chateauneufs from the Avril family
> > Domaine Durban (Beaumes de Venise) – Great sweet Muscat and beautiful
views
> > Font de Michelle (Bedarrides) – Refined CdP, fine whites, friendly
> > winemakers
> > Dom. la Garrigue (Gigondas) – Located on the grounds of the Les Florets
> > restaurant
> > Grand Tinel (CdP) – Good value, classic style of CdP; ask about their
> > table wine
> > Domaine du Pegau (CdP) – Traditional, powerful CdP, English spoken here
> > Roger Perrin (Orange) – Best deal in CdP, fabulous in a good year with
> > terrific depth, declassified CdP sold in bulk
> > Vieux Telegraphe (Bedarrides) – Very traditional and famous red and
> > white CdP, now quite pricey
> Catheau Rayas (CdP) - a living legend in CdP
> Domaine de Villeneuve (CdP) - The great winery of Philippe Du Roy De
Blicquy
> Domaine de Beaucastel (CdP) - top CdP with a penchant for mourvèdre...
> Domaine de Marcoux (CdP) - expensive but one of the best CdP, biodynamic
> Clos Mont Olivet (CdP) - Thierry Sabon offers the best value for money,
> 11 euro gets you beautiful CdP, add 50% to get some really old vintages.
> Domaine de la Janasse (CdP) - the best whites in CdP
> Domaine Gourt de Mautens (Rasteau) - powerful deep reds snce 2002
> developing great elegance
> Domaine Gramenon (CdR) - great syrah in the "vin naturel" style
> Cave d'Estezargues (CdR) - one of the (rare) really good cooperatives,
> great value, excellent wines also available in 5l box.
> Domaine de la Mordoree (Lirac, Tavel, CdP) - rich CdP and fresh lively
rosés
> >
> > Dining:
> >
> > Les Florets (Gigondas) – Great food, winery on premises
>
> Le Chaudron (Tournon) - Across the bridge from Tain l'Hermitage, a
> favourite haunt of the local winemakers, great food at a reasonable
> price and local wines by the glass
>
> La Beaugravière (Mondragon) - Not far from Orange, a very good
> restaurant with one of the most interesting wine cellars in France and
> certainly the best in the Rhone. Where else could you find sweet white
> Chateau Rayas Grand Cru 1955? Huge selection of Chateauneuf (Rayas,
> Marcoux, Beaucastel) and Hermitage.
>
> Maison Borie (Lyon) - the new restaurant of Manuel Viron, formerly ran
> the Cote Rotie in Ampuis, now brings his talents and his cellar to Lyon
> on the banks of the Rhone. Two sommeliers are required to manage all
> that wine. Wonderful decor, very original beautiful dining room in the
> Mouche area (where Paris' "bateau-mouche" were first built) close to the
> Espace Garnier (where all things hip happen in Lyon), inventive
> delicious cuisine with friendly service.
>
> La Pyramide (Vienne) - two star ancient restaurant with a cuisine that
> is both traditional and inventive, by Patrick Henriroux
>
> Le Prieuré (Villeneuve les Avignon) - one star and excellent cuisine
>
> >
> > Lodging:
>
> Mas de la Marteliere (Le Thor) - Bed & Breakfast and Table d'Hote with
> swimming pool, very welcoming, Patrick and Annick Laget are wine lovers
> and will make you feel at home a few miles from CdP. www.la-marteliere.com
>
> L'Aube Safran (Le Barroux) - In the heart of Vacqueyras Gigondas area,
> with a magnificent view of the Dentelle de Montmirail and a swimming
> pool, a stylish Bed & Breakfast expertly run by Françoise and François
> Pillet who are also saffron growers and great cooks. www.aube-safran.com
>
> Le Prieuré (Villeneuve les Avignon) - beautiful ancient priory with
> comfortable rooms and a great restaurant.
>
> >
> > ----------------------- End C&P -----------------------
> >
> > Mark Lipton
>
>
> --
> Mike Tommasi - Six Fours, France
> email link http://www.tommasi.org/mymail

Mike Tommasi wrote:
> My € 0.02 ...
<SNIP>

Many thanks, Mike! One question: these are recommendations specifically
for visiting, so were all your names places that you'd recommend people
to visit? I ask because Rayas had a long-standiing reputation for not
welcoming visitors and I've heard that it's hard to get an appointment
with Chave, too.

Thanks again,
Mark Lipton

Mike Tommasi > wrote:

> Yvec Cuilleron

Yve_s_ C.

M.

Joe "Beppe"Rosenberg skrev i
dette:

> You've only scratched the surface of Gigondas, an excellent QPR zone.

Gigondas
Dom. Du Grapillon d'Or .... nice tasting facilities, good QPR
Dom. Varenne. Look for the 'Gigondas Fût Chene'
Dom. Brusset, Cairanne. Their Les Hauts de Montmirail is good.

Pierre Lionet, Cornas. Cosy little place and a lot of hospitality from the
family.

I think that Cave de Tain, Hermitage should be included in the list. Broad
selection at reasonable prices.

regards
Jan

--
A few photos can be found on http://jan.boegh.net/foto.htm

Additional Northern Rhone Wineries;
* Paul Jaboulet, Tain-Hermitage
* Chappoulet, tain-Hermitage

Additional Southern Rhone Wneries;
* Cayron (Gigondas)
* Montmirail (Gigondas)

Big round of applause for Les Florets and Domaine La Garrigue.

I will dig out my hotels from the area.





> What follows is a preliminary draft of a travel section on the Rhone
> Valley. In particular, more dining and lodging recommendations would be
> welcome (Joseph? Emery?) As always, all comments welcomed.
>
> ------------------- Begin C&P ----------------------
>
> 3k. The Rhone Valley?
> The Rhone Valley is a long stretch alongside the Rhone River, from
> immediately south of Lyon to just north of the Mediterranean Sea. This
> vast stretch of wine country is typically subdivided into two regions:
> the Northern Rhone, running from Vienne in the North to Valence and
> producing mostly red wines made from Syrah and white wines made from
> either Viognier or Marsanne; and the Southern Rhone, taking in an area
> extending ca. 12 mi to the north and south of Orange, and featuring both
> red and white wines made from a complex mixture of grapes (up to 13 for
> the red wines) but most famous for its Grenache. Most winemakers in
> this region are also farmers, so don’t expect tasting rooms staffed with
> employees: usually, it’s the winemaker or their family pouring your
> wines. For that reason, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time for an
> appointment.
>
> Wineries:
>
> Northern Rhone
>
> Thierry Allemand (Cornas) – A superstar making supple Syrah from Cornas
> Mathilde & Yves Gangloff (Condrieu) – Great Condrieu and Cote-Rotie
> Pierre Gaillard (Malleval) – Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St. Joseph, all good
> Jamet (Ampuis) – Fantastic Cote-Rotie from the Jamet brothers
> Marcel Juge (Cornas) – Traditional Cornas from an old master
> Michel Ogier (Ampuis) – Great Cote-Rotie and VDP Syrah
> François Villard (St. Michel) – Great Condrieu, now also Cote-Rotie and
> VDP Syrah
>
> Southern Rhone
>
> Beaurenard (CdP) – Traditional CdP, oaky luxury cuvee, good CdR and
> Rasteau, too
> Bosquet des Papes (CdP) – Honest and traditional Chateauneuf, still
> reasonably priced
> Clos des Cazaux (Vacqueyras) – More rustic wine than Chateauneuf
> Clos des Papes (CdP) – Traditional Chateauneufs from the Avril family
> Domaine Durban (Beaumes de Venise) – Great sweet Muscat and beautiful
> views
> Font de Michelle (Bedarrides) – Refined CdP, fine whites, friendly
> winemakers
> Dom. la Garrigue (Gigondas) – Located on the grounds of the Les Florets
> restaurant
> Grand Tinel (CdP) – Good value, classic style of CdP; ask about their
> table wine
> Domaine du Pegau (CdP) – Traditional, powerful CdP, English spoken here
> Roger Perrin (Orange) – Best deal in CdP, fabulous in a good year with
> terrific depth, declassified CdP sold in bulk
> Vieux Telegraphe (Bedarrides) – Very traditional and famous red and
> white CdP, now quite pricey
>
> Dining:
>
> Les Florets (Gigondas) – Great food, winery on premises
>
> Lodging:
>
> ----------------------- End C&P -----------------------
>
> Mark Lipton

Mark Lipton wrote:
> What follows is a preliminary draft of a travel section on the Rhone
> Valley. In particular, more dining and lodging recommendations would be
> welcome (Joseph? Emery?) As always, all comments welcomed.
>
> ------------------- Begin C&P ----------------------
>
> 3k. The Rhone Valley?
> The Rhone Valley is a long stretch alongside the Rhone River, from
> immediately south of Lyon to just north of the Mediterranean Sea. This
> vast stretch of wine country is typically subdivided into two regions:
> the Northern Rhone, running from Vienne in the North to Valence and
> producing mostly red wines made from Syrah and white wines made from
> either Viognier or Marsanne; and the Southern Rhone, taking in an area
> extending ca. 12 mi to the north and south of Orange, and featuring both
> red and white wines made from a complex mixture of grapes (up to 13 for
> the red wines) but most famous for its Grenache. Most winemakers in
> this region are also farmers, so don’t expect tasting rooms staffed with
> employees: usually, it’s the winemaker or their family pouring your
> wines. For that reason, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time for an
> appointment.
>
> Wineries:
>

>

> Dom. la Garrigue (Gigondas) – Located on the grounds of the Les Florets
> restaurant

The restaurant (they have a few rooms as well) is in another location
from the winery which is South of Gigondas a bit, Garrigue also makes a
Vacqueyras.
>
> Dining:
>
> Les Florets (Gigondas) – Great food, winery on premises
>
> Lodging:
>
> ----------------------- End C&P -----------------------
>
> Mark Lipton

Nice work, Mark. Couple of comments below

On Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:22:53 -0500
Mark Lipton > wrote:

> What follows is a preliminary draft of a travel section on the Rhone
> Valley. In particular, more dining and lodging recommendations would be
> welcome (Joseph? Emery?) As always, all comments welcomed.
>
> ------------------- Begin C&P ----------------------
>
> 3k. The Rhone Valley?
> The Rhone Valley is a long stretch alongside the Rhone River, from
> immediately south of Lyon to just north of the Mediterranean Sea. This
> vast stretch of wine country is typically subdivided into two regions:
> the Northern Rhone, running from Vienne in the North to Valence and
> producing mostly red wines made from Syrah and white wines made from
> either Viognier or Marsanne; and the Southern Rhone, taking in an area
> extending ca. 12 mi to the north and south of Orange, and featuring both
> red and white wines made from a complex mixture of grapes (up to 13 for
> the red wines) but most famous for its Grenache. Most winemakers in
> this region are also farmers, so dont expect tasting rooms staffed with
> employees: usually, its the winemaker or their family pouring your
> wines. For that reason, its a good idea to call ahead of time for an
> appointment.
>

Seems to me the southern Rhone extends over a much larger area than
you propose. It goes all the way to Montelimar in the north, Nyons in the
east, and extends into the Gard (and of course the Ardeche) in the west.
Maybe that's only 12 miles north, I've not measured!

> Wineries:
>
> Northern Rhone
>
> Thierry Allemand (Cornas) €“ A superstar making supple Syrah from Cornas
> Mathilde & Yves Gangloff (Condrieu) €“ Great Condrieu and Cote-Rotie
> Pierre Gaillard (Malleval) €“ Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and St. Joseph, all good
> Jamet (Ampuis) €“ Fantastic Cote-Rotie from the Jamet brothers
> Marcel Juge (Cornas) €“ Traditional Cornas from an old master
> Michel Ogier (Ampuis) €“ Great Cote-Rotie and VDP Syrah
> François Villard (St. Michel) €“ Great Condrieu, now also Cote-Rotie and
> VDP Syrah
>
> Southern Rhone
>
> Beaurenard (CdP) €“ Traditional CdP, oaky luxury cuvee, good CdR and
> Rasteau, too
> Bosquet des Papes (CdP) €“ Honest and traditional Chateauneuf, still
> reasonably priced
> Clos des Cazaux (Vacqueyras) €“ More rustic wine than Chateauneuf
> Clos des Papes (CdP) €“ Traditional Chateauneufs from the Avril family
> Domaine Durban (Beaumes de Venise) €“ Great sweet Muscat and beautiful views
> Font de Michelle (Bedarrides) €“ Refined CdP, fine whites, friendly
> winemakers
> Dom. la Garrigue (Gigondas) €“ Located on the grounds of the Les Florets
> restaurant
> Grand Tinel (CdP) €“ Good value, classic style of CdP; ask about their
> table wine
> Domaine du Pegau (CdP) €“ Traditional, powerful CdP, English spoken here
> Roger Perrin (Orange) €“ Best deal in CdP, fabulous in a good year with
> terrific depth, declassified CdP sold in bulk
> Vieux Telegraphe (Bedarrides) €“ Very traditional and famous red and
> white CdP, now quite pricey
>

I'd add a couple of "incontournables:" La Soumade in Rasteau, still terrific
quality even if some have gotten too pricey, and of course one of the finest
Rasteau VDN rouge; and in Cairanne the very fine makers Marcel Richaud
and Corinne Couturier (Rabasse-Charavin), who's Cuvée Estevenas practically
defines the appellation.

Also there is a good coop in Rasteau and a really excellent one in Beaumes de
Venise, both for red and muscat.

I agree Rayas is not for the average tourist, even those elect reading our faq.

> Dining:
>
> Les Florets (Gigondas) €“ Great food, winery on premises
>
> Lodging:
>

Can't help much, I've always had a place to stay in the area. Hmm, how
about the Ch des Fines Roches in CdP? I think they're Relais et Chateaux.
Decent restaurant, too. I'll give the resto question some more thought,
should be able to come up with something.

-E

--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies

Jan Boegh wrote:
> Joe "Beppe"Rosenberg skrev i
> dette:
>
>> You've only scratched the surface of Gigondas, an excellent QPR zone.
>
> Gigondas
> Dom. Du Grapillon d'Or .... nice tasting facilities, good QPR
> Dom. Varenne. Look for the 'Gigondas Fût Chene'
> Dom. Brusset, Cairanne. Their Les Hauts de Montmirail is good.
>
> Pierre Lionet, Cornas. Cosy little place and a lot of hospitality from the
> family.
>
> I think that Cave de Tain, Hermitage should be included in the list. Broad
> selection at reasonable prices.
>
> regards
> Jan
>
I would second that and add that St Joseph is in the neighborhood, don't
know if anyone there has degustation but I would think they do.

As to hotel and restaurants, Lyon to the North and Avignon to the south
are the best bets, but I do know a few in between, will respond with new
thread later today.

JC

Mike Tommasi > wrote:

>> * Chappoulet, tain-Hermitage

> That would be Michel Chapoutier, that I already mentioned...

Sure it's not Montaccue?

scnr,

M.

On Fri, 08 Dec 2006 07:00:41 -0500
Joseph Coulter > wrote:

> Jan Boegh wrote:
> > Joe "Beppe"Rosenberg skrev i
> > dette:
> >
> >> You've only scratched the surface of Gigondas, an excellent QPR zone.
> >
> > Gigondas
> > Dom. Du Grapillon d'Or .... nice tasting facilities, good QPR
> > Dom. Varenne. Look for the 'Gigondas Fût Chene'
> > Dom. Brusset, Cairanne. Their Les Hauts de Montmirail is good.
> >
> > Pierre Lionet, Cornas. Cosy little place and a lot of hospitality from the
> > family.
> >
> > I think that Cave de Tain, Hermitage should be included in the list. Broad
> > selection at reasonable prices.
> >
> > regards
> > Jan
> >
> I would second that and add that St Joseph is in the neighborhood, don't
> know if anyone there has degustation but I would think they do.
>

Coursodon is a very good St Joseph producer, and a friendly visit.
Familial operation, both son and daughter work (or worked) there.

I meant to second the Cave de Tain recommendation too, even though it's
not my personal favorite place.

Might be worth pointing out that many Vacqueyras producers also make
Gigondas, and vice versa. Clos des Cazaux also makes some very fine
Gig. Jan, I must say I find Grapillon d'Or very ordinary, and surpassed
by coop wines for less money. Sorry. However it does have the advantage
of being widely available.

Hard to mention Gigondas without Montmirail (Archimbaud), a very reliable
producer and a nice tasting facility at the office in town. Easy to find!

-E
--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies

Gigondas---Raspail (Ay)
"Mike Tommasi" > wrote in message
...
> Ric wrote:
> > Additional Northern Rhone Wineries;
> > * Paul Jaboulet, Tain-Hermitage
> > * Chappoulet, tain-Hermitage
>
> That would be Michel Chapoutier, that I already mentioned...
>
> --
> Mike Tommasi - Six Fours, France
> email link http://www.tommasi.org/mymail

Emery Davis skrev i dette:

> Jan, I must say I find Grapillon d'Or very ordinary, and
> surpassed by coop wines for less money. Sorry. However it does have
> the advantage of being widely available.

My notes says 8$ a bt. in '98 for vintage 96.



regards

Jan

--
A few photos can be found on http://jan.boegh.net/foto.htm