Spring begins in Rhone Valley, Provence in early March.
Almond trees blossom, followed by the cherry trees, with wild flowers and poppies springing up their heads along hillsides and through out many vineyards. By the third week of March the vines began to bud, the 2017 vintage is underway!
Watching the vines sprout truly identifies the many micro climes of the region. Vineyards in higher elevations, on south facing aspects, are the first to show signs, with the valley floor quickly following. These micro climates are one of the key elements to distinguish the Villages throughout the Côtes du Rhône.
Driving through the Southern Rhone the vineyards stretch out to the horizon, predominately Grenache and Syrah with smaller plots of Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvedre. The red wines produced are delicious; smooth and versatile, with rich, ripe fruit and lovely sweet spice.
Despite the hot temperatures through the summer white grapes are grown through the region as well. The highest percentage being Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne; beautiful ripe stone fruit with rich floral notes.
Taste the Rhone Valley
Charles Tort Côtes du Rhône 2013 #424168 $13.60
Colline St. Jean Vacqueyras 2014 #38661 $26.95 (May 13th)
Bernardine Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2016 #442160 $19.95 (May 13th)
