The Rhône river is lined with vineyards that run up its banks into the mountains. In the cooler vineyards in the North Syrah is king. Farther to the South Grenache takes over along with an array of supporting grapes that add nuance and complexity to the wines. Join us on Saturday as we poke around the Villages of the Rhône and tour their distinct variations. They’re some of the most versatile food wines, and just delicious.

2011 Arnoux et Fils, Côtes du Rhône Blanc “Vieux Clocher” $11
Grenache Blanc, Clairette
Arnoux makes wine from its own vineyards in Vacqueyras as well as from purchased grapes. Their CDR Blanc is a dry and full white, with good body, nice floral notes and melony fruit.

2010 Domaine Montmartel & Fils, Côtes du Rhône Rouge $12
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Domaine Montmartel is a fifth-generation family estate with 225-acres of vines located throughout Visan, Valreas, Tulette, and St. Maurice. They are in the process of converting their vineyards to organic. Their entry Rouge is a mid-body wine with lots of supple fruit and spice and a great match to a wide variety of food.
 
2007 Domaine des Banquette, Rasteau $18
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan
The Andre family has owned vineyards in Rasteau since 1910, but has just recently rebuilt the winery on a steep slope so that all racking is done by gravity. Their Rasteau has lots of berry pie aromas and a good earthiness along with the characteristic spice and licorice notes.
 
2010 Domaine Notre Dame des Pallières , Les Mourres, Gigondas $19
80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah
Named for the pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages for those wishing to be protected from the plague, Notre Dame des Pallières is a family estate with property in both Gigondas and Sablet. The old vines go deep in the limestone gravel soil. The Gigondas is complex, with spicy notes of clove, licorice, tobacco mixed with full supple fruit and fine tannins on the finish.
 
2010 Duvernay, Crozes Hermitage $20
100 % Syrah
Duevernay makes an assortment of wine from throughout the Rhone. Their Crozes Hermitage from the northern Rhône is grown on granite slopes with terraces bearing the rounded stones of the Rhône. It is unoaked and has a classic bouquet of red and black fruits, and spices. The palate is fruity and well balanced, long on the palate, tannic but smooth.