The Wines of the Rhône Valley
PART TWO: THE SOUTH
By Ellen Walsh
and Judie Vacchina
The
Southern Rhône wines have never had more attention on
them as they have right now. With the 98 vintage turning out
to be so exceptional, price and appelation status have combined
to provide a value not to be seen before in this decade. Côtes
du Rhône wines have never tasted better, coming in at
an average of RoadV_tif43$8 - $15 a bottle. In fact, so distinguished
were the grapes from the 98 harvest, that many vintners such
as Marcel and Philippe Guigal, and Philippe Jaboulet Aine, cornered
as much of of the southern wine grape market that they could.
They were not the only ones. From Côtes du Rhône
all the way up to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the 98 harvest will rank
in the 90's in most wine tastings. The 98's began appearing
on shelves this past fall, and more will be appearing from the
areas of Chateauneuf and Gigondas this year.
In speaking with the vintners themselves, all were in agreement
that not only was the 98 harvest exceptional, but that the 99
harvest will be, as well. In visiting these wineries, we saw
some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, including
castles dating back to the 13th century. Wineries come in a
variety of shape and size, fame and status. Ranging from the
opulent and overtly successful, to the new, and struggling winery,
methods and attitudes differed. There was a similarity, however,
in the passion and commitment to make great wine, and honor
the traditional methods of their forefathers in wine making.
Great wines passed over large and small wineries alike, paying
tribute to the some of the best grapes of the decade.