Do you like cooperative wines? For me, Gigondas La Cave is just as attractive as producer as many family wineries. Their wines have a personality that I really like and the quality is very reliable.
grenache
The affordable South African red I want to drink – Rascallion 45 RPM 2016
South Africa is not my most frequent choice when it comes to reds around 10 Euros. Wines like this could easily change my attitude.
For Grenache lovers – a dry red from Maury, Domaine de l’Arboussa 2015
The more un-fortified Grenaches I try from this traditionally vin doux naturel producing part of France, the more convinced I am that it’s really a special place for the variety. Andrew Jefford is right.
A good Languedoc rosé – Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2018
Fancy bottles does not mean the wine cannot be good. This rosé is a good value too.
Elegant and poised, quite close to Provence in style. While it’s delicate, the texture is somewhat viscous, with the impression of a fuller body. Restrained, pretty aromas of peach and white currant, it’s rather a textural wine. Nuanced and delicious, a nice rosé, highly recommended.
Rating: good, 86 points.
Price: 2500 HUF (Auchan supermarket), or 8-9 Euros.
Value: very good.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Source: I bought it in Auchan.
Drinking window: 2019.
Yet another great value Southern Rhone red: Domaine les Grands Bois “Maximilien” Cairanne 2017
Another great Cotes du Rhone from 2016: Clos Saint-Antonin
Yet another one from the endless row of great 2016 Southern Rhone reds. The first wine I tried from the producer and it convinced me, now I want to try more from their portfolio.
Another great Cotes du Rhone red – Domaine Olivier Hillaire Vieilles Vignes 2017
Drinking in Avignon wine #10. The last one from this series, and easily the best. Bought the bottle in the producers shop in the centre of the town Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where one can taste through the whole range, including the expensive top wines, I highly recommend to visit it if you are in town.
Would you buy less expensive Chateauneuf du Pape?
Drinking in Avignon wine #9. There should be a saying that goes like: never buy cheap Chateauneuf du Pape. It’s just a waste of many.
Vignerons de Caractere, Terroir Daronton, Roaix 2016, Cotes du Rhone Villages
Drinking in Avignon, wine #8. Yet another Southern Rhone appellation which I have not heard of, Roaix. But while that pretty Seguret made me a fan, this time I was slightly disappointed.
Rhone Cru with age – Alain Jaume & Fils Lirac Roquedon 2012
Drinking in Avignon, wine #7. I bought the bottle at the cellar door, at the end of my visit. There were so many wines available, and I love the producer so I wanted all them, but sadly, I could only carry one bottle with myself. And because the topic that I was most interested on this trip was how Southern Rhone reds age, I chose what the lady recommended: a Lirac at 6.5 years of age, presumably at its prime. Continue reading