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Fans of Rhone Valley Wines?

Scissors

Scissors

Any fans of wines from the Rhone Valley or its districts in these parts? Cote Rotie, Cornas, Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas...I love 'em all, and my most memorable wine experience was a single vineyard Cote Rotie by E. Guigal. It was La Mouline, 1997 (IIRC) and it reeked of flowers, while the flavor was a bizarre but perfect balance of BBQ, bacon (!), smoke and berries. It was nothing short of drinking something like the elixirs Alice had to drink in Wonderland. The sig.other went from being a wine skeptic ("Can you really taste all those different flavors?") to a fan ("Can you get another bottle of that?")

So—any other fans here?
 
ouch

ouch

Stjynnkii membörd dummpsjterd
Love 'em. Here's one of my favorites, on the left.
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Mazeman

Mazeman

Great, well-balanced reds. When coupled with food, they're a lot less likely to miss the mark. There's a lot of Syrrah in many of those wines, which is a little more forgiving grape for most palates.

I'm a big fan of these, as well as red Burgundies (Pinot Noir grape). Less likely to be off-putting to some guests, yet still substantial and often complex reds.

If you choose a Bordeaux/Cabernet Sauvignon, you take a bigger risk, and definitely need a food to stand up to it.
 
moshulu

moshulu

ouch said:
Love 'em. Here's one of my favorites, on the left.
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That '89 Clos de Beze should be mighty fine as well. My wife's favorite wine. We visited the Clos once with our collie Jimmy and he took a leak there. Watch for it - it was 1998, should be ready to drink just about now.

My favorite affordable Rhones are St. Joseph, Condrieu and Gigondas. Plus you can' t beat Muscat de Beaume de Venise, especially Domaine Durban. Mmm...good stuff.
 
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Suzuki

Suzuki

I'm a big fan of Rhone wines - from outrageously expensive blockbusters to picnic wines - there's something for all prices and all occasions.

I was fortunate to have rented a house just outside of Gigondas a couple of years ago - beautiful region and had some great wines.

While the reds get all the press, I've had some amazing (although somewhat expensive) white Chateauneufs.
 
Luc

Luc

"To Wiki or Not To Wiki, That's The Question".
Staff member
That's my favorite region in France for wines... Love it. Burgundy is a close second...
 
moshulu

moshulu

ouch said:
Great advice!
I like the Durban too
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You are a man of taste and refinement.

I once drove up to the Domaine, high up in the hills above Beaume de Venise. It's about as close to heaven as you can get. Absolute silence - just row after row of vines soaking up the sun. A modest stone building where you can taste and buy the lovely golden wine.

I have several vintages in my cellar, going back to 1996. You can keep these wines forever. I usually serve with foie gras during the holidays. Also great with homemade "moelleux au chocolat" - French chocolate cupcakes, served fresh from the oven with the centers still liquid.
 
ouch

ouch

Stjynnkii membörd dummpsjterd
Also, for confirmed cheapskates (such as myself), a good substitute for Rhones are wines from the Languedoc-Roussilon area. Some are very similar in style, and among the best bargains around.
 
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