Grape harvesting in Côtes du Rhône
In collabotarion with Côtes du Rhône
As our plane touched down in Marseille, the anticipation of an exciting wine adventure in Côtes du Rhône started to arrive. After a short drive our first stop was Domaine de Blanche Fleur, where the charm of vineyards and an old chapel welcomed us. After settling in, we had a quick but delightful lunch, giving us a first taste of Provence.
In the afternoon we drove to our first stop, Maison Gabriel Meffre in AOC Gigondas (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée within Côtes du Rhône). A 4x4 tour of the vineyards unveiled the magic of the terroir. We stopped for one of the most picturesque wine tasting at one of the Gabriel Meffre's highest vineyards (400m high!). Gigondas wines are mostly Grenache grape-based blends, noted for their savory tones, color intensity, and richness. These red wines have classic Southern Rhône earthy nuances and black fruit flavors. Following the global change in taste, the are now also produces some extraordinary whites that you won’t regret trying!
That evening, the Bistro Restaurant with the stunning views of Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne played host to a memorable dinner. In the company of Jean-Brice Pélissier from Clos des Saumanes and Xavier Angles from Domaine du Bois de St Jean, we indulged in a Provence cuisine and the wines that these winemakers brought from their domaines complemented each course with perfection.
The next day, the sun bathed the domaine des Garriguettes estate as we partook in the ancient art of grape harvesting. It was the first day of the harvest and Sebastien, the owner of the Domaine, gathered family and friends for a fun day on the vines. We harvested the first tonne of Grenache of the vintage 2023! It was my very first time harvesting grapes and on the personal level this hands-on experience forged a deeper connection to the land and its bounty. A tasting of the estate's wines after work was a celebration of our collective effort!
For lunch, we returned to the Domaine de Blanche Fleur, where a picnic Provençale awaited. Plateau de charcuterie et Fromage de la Boucherie from Maison Grégoire, Salade de tomates with romarin burrata, and petit pois salad with feta&mint were paired with the exquisite Rosé and White wines from Cave de Roquemaure.
After a poolside afternoon at the Domaine de Blanche Fleur, as the day waned, we gathered for a sunset dinner, the Dentelles de Montmirail as our backdrop. Richard’s (the owner of Demoiselle Suzette) culinary artistry elevated the evening and his wine and views made this dinner unforgettable.
On our final day, we explored the bustling Isle-sur-Sorgues iconic market, a vibrant tapestry of local culture. The aromas of fresh produce, dried lavender and artisanal crafts filled the air. We booked a table at Le Carré d’Herbes for our last lunch and it was the essence of Provence captured in every bite!
As we bid adieu to Côtes du Rhône, our hearts were filled with the memories of sun-kissed vineyards, exquisite wines, and the warm embrace of Provencal hospitality. This journey had woven an indelible tapestry of experiences, a testament to the timeless allure of this storied region.
