Little Rhône Wonder

The Rhône Range

From Champagne we trained it south to Avignon… for a speed tour of Southern Rhône (1 day).   Best find was an up-and-coming producer based in the village of Cairanne, which will reach ‘growth’ status in 2014.  The village of Cairanne is on the southern Côtes du Rhône wine route and its quality wines are designated Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. Wines from here possess good natural tannin.  I was impressed by their immediate approachability (good for a 'wine by the glass' pour!).

Pascal Franczak is only on his third vintage at ‘Château de Plaisir’, but he has hit the scene with great enthusiasm and willingness to do what it takes to reach high quality, well-priced wines that speak of where they are from.  The vineyard is being managed organically and although not certified yet, it is not far away.  All the wines are de-stemmed and produced in a pretty tiny domain that was built in the 1920s. Pascal also has the project of transforming the vacant ‘Château’ on the property (next to winery) into an 8 bedroom mini hotel with an eatery and swimming pool.  After seeing the space it makes absolute sense as it has a unique charm that would make it something special in the region.  Pascal has given himself two years to get it done!

Watch this space - Mini Hotel with a difference

2012 Château de Plaisir Côtes du Rhône Blanc (60% Clairette, 30%Viognier, 10% Bourboulenc)

This was a tank sample.  Incredible perfume of white florals with tangerine and orange blossom.  Palate medium bodied with juicy acidity and decent length, following through well. Clairette variety is known for giving freshness and elegance to the blend. Will these wines ever be popular in the Australian market though? 

2011 Château de Plaisir Côtes du Rhône Rosé (100% carignan)

Light cherry colour. Great acidity, medium bodied with red currants (strawberry & red cherry).  Good natural acidity in this wine with dry, persistent finish. Would be a hit for Rosé tragics who like a dry style with a bit more body.

2011 Château de Plaisir Côtes du Rhône Rouge (70% Grenache, 20% syrah, 10% cinsault)

From 20-50 year old vines… dark red hue with hint of purple… a nose rich in both red and black fruits (dark cherry and sweet plum) with cinnamon, clove and liquorice.  Medium bodied palate, juicy with good length.  Wouldn’t require food to enjoy a glass or two of this!

2011 Château de Plaisir Cairanne Rouge (60% Grenache, 30% syrah, 10% carignan)

From 50-60 year old vines… slightly more plush and palate filling than the CDR and with a fraction more structure (from Syrah).  Leaning more to dark fruits, with red plum and blackberries and white pepper spice. I see them ageing well for the medium term.

IN A NUTSHELL:

‘Best meal’ for our cameo trip in Rhône: 'Le Tourne au Verre' (restaurant/wine bar) in Cairanne.

Apart from good food there was an excellent vibe and plenty of local winemakers who all seemed to mingle and get on like a house on fire! Some cool stuff by the glass also..

 

That's what I call smart pricing!

 

‘Best bottle shop’ experience in Rhône: ‘le vin devant soi’ in Avignon.

(use enomatic system so could try loads of great stuff to check out)

TELL YOUR FRIENDS:

You will find tonnes of great value wines from the Southern Rhône.. typically they produce medium bodied Grenache dominant reds that have a real energy, personality and elegance. Consistency can be up and down, but most importantly they are adaptable, food friendly styles that are perfect as the cooler months set in.  My pick for food matching is lamb roast with loads of garlic, rosemary and sweet potato.