EAT Magazine July_Aug 2015_Victoria_52_Layout 1 6/24/15 9:48 AM Page 47
beyond that, the Southern Rhône Valley offers a plethora of well-priced wines from lesser-known appellations. Nestled in the hills of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, Gigondas is often referred to as the poor man’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is, however, a fantastic region that has come into its own. Thanks to the complex geology and the Dentelles, which limit morning sunlight, Gigondas produces complex reds that are fresh and capable of aging. Look in particular for those from Montfaucon and Santa-Duc. At the foot of Montmirail, Rasteau’s amphitheatre-shaped vineyards create a unique microclimate. The top reds offer an unparallelled combination of power, spice and elegant freshness. Le Domaine Montirius is a long-time favourite. White and rosé are found in small amount. My coup de coeur goes to the wines from the small Lirac appellation. The white, red and rosé are all equally seductive. Terraces of vineyards planted between garrigues bushes are found on three distinct types of soil. It is the combination of power, freshness and minerality that makes these wines so appealing. Domaine de la Mordorée is the place to go here. There is no region that says value like Costières de Nîme, Ventoux and Luberon. Making every hue of wine, these lesser-known appellations benefit from a marked day-to-night temperature difference, which gives freshness to the wines. Luberon’s whites are particularly intriguing with their dash of Vermentino. One cannot talk about the Southern Rhône without mentioning Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. Incredible value can be found in both. The latter has superior terroir giving more concentrated wines. Especially look for Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Cairanne. Blessed with old vines and clay-based soil, it produces dense wine that can age well. It is expected to become a single appellation (Cairanne AOC) this year. The range of flavours allows for endless food and wine pairing. Chapoutier emphasizes that this is another area the region needs to exploit and market. “Culinary habits are changing. The world of spice is fascinating, and great pairings with Asian and Southeast Asian food can be made” says Chapoutier. I could not agree more. One of the most recent stunning matches I experienced was a Magret de Canard marinated in Moroccan spice and served with a Vacqueyras. My mouth is still watering. The quality of the wines from the Southern Rhône has never been better. Those who have been faithful to the region will continue to be. Wine drinkers who prefer fruitdriven New World wine will no doubt be tempted. You could not find an easier bridge to cross over. Santé! E
OLD ISLAND VINES NEW CLASSIC WINES
Whites 2013 Domaine de la Bastide, Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc AOC, *$18-22 Thanks to Viognier, which dominates the blend (70 percent), this wine explodes with the tropical aromas of guava and pineapple. A great match with Asian cuisine featuring ginger. 2013 Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc AOC, *$23-27 Intriguing exotic nose with notes of apple skin, orange blossom and marzipan. Rich texture with pleasant bitter notes. Crab it is!
Reds 2011 Château de Montfaucon, Côtes-du-Rhone AOC, *$22-25 A long-time favourite that once again delivers. Pure juicy raspberries, strawberries and mineral notes. Elegant and great value. 2012 Domaine Beau Mistral, ‘Sélection Vieilles Vignes’ Rasteau AOC, $29-33 (SKU# 577908) Characterful with wild bramble, black licorice and seductive violet notes on the palate. Full-bodied. Canard, s’il vous plait! 2013 M. Chapoutier, ‘Belleruche’ Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, $17-20 (SKU#476846) Friendly with aromas of plum, licorice and grilled herbs. Slightly rustic but charming and easy to like. Camping wine? 2011 Domaine les Pallières, ‘Les Racines’ Gigondas AOC, *$43-47 Made from grapes grown on 60-year-old vines, this Gigondas is dense, rich and voluptuous. Deliciously charming, it asks to be served with red meat, preferably wild game. 2013 Famille Perrin, Tavel Rosé AOC, $22.50-25 (SKU# 241224) Can’t decide if you want white or red? This rosé from the premium region of Tavel is a good compromise. Meaty with rhubarb and orange peel notes, this full-bodied rosé needs food. Bouillabaisse or paella? *Asterisks denote wines that are only available at the winery or select private liquor stores.
New tasting room and winery open from 11am to 5pm daily. 2182 LAKESIDE ROAD, DUNCAN, BC
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