We had a full house for our Friday Night Flight to the Rhone valley, where we enjoyed a variety of interesting wines. From the south eastern and southwestern limits of the southern Rhone delta we tasted La Vieille Ferme white from the Luberon, and a Mas Neuf from around the city of Nimes. Beyond Luberon and crossing the Durance isProvence, and beyond Nimes are Languedoc and Roussilon, where Catalonian culture becomes increasingly evident. One of the most fascinating parts of wine is way it creates a door into other lands and cultures.
The most impressive wines of the night were Domaine de la Presidente Cairanne 2009, a powerful wine that will merit another 2-3 years patience. From not far away in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the 2005 Domaine de la Solitude was already beginning to show distinct meatiness on the nose, and promises more complexity developing in the coming years.
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It is always so interesting to discover new grape varieties and wines, and we have done so recently in wines from Spain and southern France.
Malvar is a varietal we have never before encountered, but it is native to the area around Madrid. The Zestos 2010 Malvar is a delicious wine that both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lovers will warm to.
Marselan is a new varietal created in the south of France b ycrossing Grenache (for its ability to withstand the southern heat) and Cabernet Sauvignon (for its ease of growing and full-bodied flavour). The La Villa de Maison Valade Marselan from the region of the Aude reminds me of Carmenere -good colour and flavour, with a tight green grip of tannin. Good value from the south of France.
Cheers,
The Professor