Rhône - A French Paradise

Wine and travel expert Julien Yung Mameaux of the experience company takes us on a heavenly journey through southern France

SOUTHERN RHÔNE - FROM CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TO PROVENCE

The journey goes on with the temperatures warming up as we reach stunning landscapes near the legendary town of Orange and the Pont d’Avignon, at the edge of Provence, with a greater variety of wines. On top of fruity and spicy Grenache-based reds produced in the vineyards of Gigondas, Vacqueyras or Rasteau, two delightful originalities stand out: appealing pinkish and refreshing rosé wines from the areas of Tavel, by Les Vignerons de Tavel for instance, or from Lirac; and goldish, fragrant and sweet Muscat wines from the pretty village of Beaumes-de-Venise such as Domaine de la Ferme Saint-Martin or Domaine des Bernardins.

A Rhône pilgrimage must include the iconic Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Spotted in 1308 by Pope Clement V, the area was so compelling that the Pope moved his headquarters from Rome to Avignon, renaming the neighborhood “the Pope’s new castle”. Since then religious leaders have been involved in great viticulture and wine growing progress. Today these wines are made up from up to 13 different grapes and are thus highly complex and delicious. Vieux Télégraphe is probably Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s most famous wine (notably its grandest cru, La Crau) but you can count on a wide range going from Clos des Papes Paul Avril, which regularly tops rankings, to local jewels like Domaine Chante Cigale.

Try Rhône wines at this year’s Le French May in Hong Kong – and of course get the most of it by visiting that part of France. Rhône Valley’s 6,000 friendly wine growing properties and its gorgeous landscapes are the new paradise of wine lovers and travellers alike.

Rhône is close to Provence, Evian and the French Riviera, and as such it makes a perfect holiday destination. Win a free bottle of wine by enquiring at The Experience Company (www.TheExCo.com), Asia’s travel concierge specialized on fine wine and gastronomy holidays, at +852 2179 3307 or Contact@TheExCo.com. Quote “HKGolfer” to enter the lucky draw to win the bottle of wine.

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Written by Julien Yung Mameaux

Click here to see the published article.

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