My Favorite Wine Region: The Rhone Valley
When it comes to wine regions, the Rhone Valley in France holds a special place in my heart. It's my absolute favorite! There's something about the wines that captivate me and keep me coming back for more. In this blog post, I want to share my love for this region and a few personal stories that led me to appreciate its unique offerings.
Discovering Syrah: Aurelien Chatagnier Saint-Joseph "Zelée"
The wine that made me fall head over heels in love with Syrah was Aurelien Chatagnier’s Saint-Joseph "Zelée." This bottle was an "Aha" moment for me, as it introduced me to the savory flavors that Syrah can offer. This was my first time experiencing meaty, olive briny aromas in wine. From then, I was hooked. It’s my favorite grape and I always seek it out when I’m shopping for my collection.
A Memorable Story about Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CdP)
One of the joys of being in the wine industry is experiencing those unforgettable moments that shape our wine journey. Part of my love for the Rhone Valley revolves around a bottle of Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As a wine retail newbie, I was tasked with choosing a sample for the team to try.
Rummaging the sample case box, I stumbled upon the CdP, which piqued my curiosity as I had never tried it before. Little did I know, my sales manager had different expectations. He cautioned me that it was a "big wine" and advised me to go for the Côtes-du-Rhône instead. However, he did promise that I could taste the CdP once I successfully sold a bottle of it.
Determined to prove myself, I made it my mission to not only sell that bottle but also learn everything there was to know about the producer, region, and grapes. I delved into the history of the region, discovering that Chateauneuf-du-Pape was one of the first AOCs established in the 1930s. The more I learned, the more interested I became.
A day later, an opportunity presented itself. I sold the bottle over the phone as part of a gift basket. It felt like a personal victory, and from that moment on, CdP became one of my favorite wine regions. It holds a special place in my heart and has even become the foundation of my wine collection.
Embracing the Diversity of the Rhone Valley
One of the things that makes the Rhone Valley so remarkable is its incredible diversity. Within this region, you'll find the Northern and Southern Rhone, each with its distinct characteristics.
In the Northern Rhone, you'll encounter cooler climate expressions of Syrah and Viognier. These wines often have a more delicate and refined profile. Plus, the regional cuisine embraces the use of butter, enhancing the overall experience.
On the other hand, the Southern Rhone boasts a Mediterranean climate that adds fruit and body to the wines, which are mostly Grenache-based blends. Olive oil and Mediterranean-style cuisine are popular here, creating great pairings with the region's wines. I’ve found a special love for Tavel Rosé, especially because the AOC is only for rosé wine…something that you don’t see often in the winemaking world.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, the Rhone Valley is a wine region that never ceases to amaze me. It has introduced me to unforgettable bottles, challenged me to dive deeper into its history, and allowed me to appreciate the diverse expressions of its wines. So, I invite you to explore the Rhone Valley and discover the captivating flavors it has to offer. Cheers to the wines that make our hearts sing, and may your own Rhone Valley journey be filled with joy and delicious discoveries!