Category: Wine travels

A glimpse of Eastern & Southeastern France-part 2

The northern Rhône is dominated by Syrah (red wine) and Marsanne & Roussane (white wine).

We visited the new home of the Domaine that is now located on Tain l’ Hermitage. Reaching a production of 2.000.000 bottles per year, it is definitely another reality of production. Dating back to 1835, it produces wines from domaine-owned vineyards in the most prestigious parts of the northern Rhone such as Hermitage, but also through partnerships from acquired grapes or wine.

After a short visit of the new building, comes the tasting: Saint-Joseph, Cornas, Cote-Rotie & Hermitage. All the wines being elegant, Hermitage is really out-performing. Such a delight!

A glimpse of Eastern & Southeastern France-part 1

Driving south from Dijon to Lyon, deciding which domaine to visit is not an easy choice. Leaving behind the classical Bourgogne the view changes and the lovely alternating hills of Beaujolais dominate.

Domaine de la Grosse Pierre is a family owned winery which since 2018 is run by Pauline Passot and was created in the 1960s by her grand-father.

We tasted Gamay from Chiroubles, where the main parts of the vineyards are located, but also from Morgon and Fleurie. Variable terroir, mainly granitic soils, traditional semi-carbonic maceration, vinification with natural yeasts & per parcel.

Elegant wines, with very different expressions of Gamay by site and by year. Impressive how fuller is the body of the 2020s.

The visit could only end by a short visit of the top of Chirouble enjoying the view from the Terrasses de Chiroubles. Also next to the Maison du Cru, with local products & wine.

Thank you Domaine de la Grosse Pierre for this lovely intro to Beaujolais.