The Wines of the Rhône Valley
PART TWO: THE SOUTH
(continued.
. .)
As we stepped outside to admire the 15 hectares of vignes (38
acres), we learned that the dogs were truffle hunters. Apparently,
the accepted myth that only pigs hunt truffles is no longer
the case. When the puppies of the mother lab dog are born, truffle
oil is rubbed on the nipples of the mother, and the majority
of the training is already done. Last year the dogs caught 8
kilos of truffles in the olive groves just beyond the syrah
vineyards. In fact, truffles are so much a part of the culture
in that part of France, that once a year, each member of the
local church would put a truffle in the collection plate for
roof repairs, church supplies, etc. truffle tours were often
organized as part of their church fund raising process. Noticed
by the Martha Stewart organization, the truffle tours caught
national attention at one point. So prominent are the truffle
tours in this part of the country, that dog napping seems to
be a problem as well. A kidnapped truffle hunting dog is worth
the equivalent of $3,000 on the black market. As we delighted
in the knowledge that America's most treasured gourmet food
was just beyond the next acre of vineyards, we managed to wangle
ourselves an invitation to come back and truffle hunt, but not
before we corralled Dominique and Anthony to take us to the
olive groves to show us what it was like to hunt truffles. We
think the following pictures will tell it all.
Cave
De Cairanne
Cave De Cairanne
84290 Cairanne (Vaucluse)
Phone 04 90 30 82 05
Fax 04 90 30 79 83 fx
www.cairanne.com |
|
Cave De Cairanneis situated in the Southern part of
the Rhône Valley. Out of the 16 villages allowed to use
their own name for the production of Côte du Rhône
Village, Cairanne wines are known to be amongst the most prestigious.
Created in 1929, Cave de Cairanne now represents over 200 growers,
with 1200 hectares (80% of the Appellation) and is the Appellation's
leader with an annual production of 60,000 hectolitres.
The winery had been created with advice from well known Jean-Luc
Colombo, however 1995 was the beginning of a serious modernization
project, that represented sizeable investments from
1995 . 1998. Boasting new modern storage cellars, tanks and
perfect sanitary conditions, the Cave De Cairanne is looking
to increase their exports to the United States.
Cave De Cairanne representative Elisabeth Lacote
chose a number of wines to share with us over dinner. Sitting
comfortably in the dining room of the Mas de Bouvau
around a country style table, we settled in to a simple,tasty,country
style meal. This was all the better to enjoy the wines that
Elisabeth brought.
Grand Réserve Côtes Du Rhône Villages.
Cairanne, this Cairanne, a blend of Grenache,
Mourve`dre, Syrah, and Cinsault has a sweet, spicy nose,
with a juicy raspberry-fruit palate. Elegant and well
balanced with peppery spiciness and length, this is a wine to
drink now.
Réserve Des Voconces Côtes Du Rhône
Villages, Cairanne, this reserve cuvée from
the Cairanne coop makes an excellent alternative to Chateauneuf-du-
Pape. Blended from Grenache (70%) Mourve`dre(15%) and Cinsault(15%)
it ages for 12 months in Hungarian oak casks. Forceful,
rich, and big, this Côtes du Rhône reserve is mouth
filling and peppery.
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Left
to Right, Judie Vacchina, Ron Holden, France,
Guilaine Dominici, Elisabeth Lacote |
Cave
De Cairanne representative Elisabeth Lacote(right) chose a number
of wines to share with us over dinner.at Mas de Bouvan, Left
to Right, Judie Vacchina, menu developer, Ron Holden, France
in your Glass,our guide Guilaine Dominici from InterRhône
Temptation, this cuvée has been vinified by the famous
oenologist Jean-Luc Colombo. It contains 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah,
and 10% Mourve`dre. 30% of the blend ages in recent oak barrels
for one year. Intense carmine colour with ruby tints. The
nose is suave and subtle combining aromas of rose and violet
with smoky notes. The palate is round and harmonious, tannins
are silky but still present.
Cuvee Antique, this variety contains 70% Grenache,
20% Syrah, 10% Mourve`dre. Exclusively produced from hand harvested
grapes coming from vines over 50 years old, the yields are 25
hectolitres per hectare, well below the authorized levels. This
is a deep pomegranate olor with ruby tints. The nose is already
opened with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices of pepper and
cinnamon. Save this for your best meals. Great with red meat
in delicate sauces, and venison, truffles and foie gras.
