L'Enclave des Papes

From the steeply terraced vineyards of Cote Rotie to the flat boulder-fields of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, only rich and full-bodied wines are made, wines as warm and stately as the Rhone that feeds them, but each with a character of its own. The vineyards of the valley of the Rhone, and especially those of the northern Rhone, are among the oldest in France. The Greeks, who arrived on the Mediterranean coast of France some 600 years before the birth of Christ, founded Marseille and planted vines around the town, thereby creating the first French vineyards. Then they traveled upriver established trading posts far to the north, and imposed their commercial activities on the indigenous population. While it has often been said that the vineyards of the Lyon region were first planted with Greek vines, this has never been proven. The first attestable vineyards were created some centuries before the birth of Christ by the Romans. Arriving at the gates of Lyon after several victorious battles, and thanks to the manpower provided by the armies who were idle after their conquests, they set about planting the first vineyards of the Rhone valley, on both sides of the river. The inhabitants of the southern Rhone valley didn't take an interest in growing vines until later however; being continually invaded and occupied, they had other worries. It was on the right bank of the Rhone that the first great vineyard of the southern part of the valley was to appear. From the end of 17th century, vines gradually began to cover the land of this part of the kingdom of France. Encouraged by consuls, provosts and the royal court, the cultivation of vines and the quality of the resulting wines led to an area being delimited and given the name of the Cote du Rhone. Early regulations to ensure respect for the place of origin were subsequently created, including both verification of the quality of the exports and inspection of the volumes marketed. No wine could be transported without the barrels containing it being branded CDR (Cote du Rhone). Thus it is possible to say that quality commercial viticulture in the Cote du Rhone dates from the 18th century, and that this early start was a decisive element in both the establishment and the actual delimitation of the regional appellation. The appellation was ratified by the decree of Nov. 19, 1937 and covers 163 communes.

L'Enclave des Papes - This history goes back to when the Popes had their seat in Avignon. In 1316, the Sacred College of Cardinals purposely chose a sickly weak man as the second Pope of Avignon. The Cardinals hoped they had elected a Pope whose reign would be short. In fact, John XXII left this world in his 89th year after 18 years of pontifical reign. Thanks to a conscientiously followed course of Valreas wines, he earned himself good health and longevity. To be certain he would always have access to his elixir on Sept. 27, 1317, John XXII purchased the seigniorial rights to the Valreas estate to which he soon added the Villages of Visan, Grillon & Richerenches. The Enclave des Papes was born. This convergence of quality is founded throughout the whole estate; Valreas, Visan, Grillon & Richerenches all have the appellation "Cotes du Rhone Villages." The winegrowers of the Enclave are so conscious of this that they have deliberately defined, toughened & controlled their own production rules (governed since 1937 by the Cotes du Rhone) to guarantee the quality of the "Enclaves des Papes" thanks to the association of Producers of the Enclave des Papes.

Cotes du Rhone Villages In the years following the end of the Second World War, centers of wine production with distinguished viticultural traditions began to try to distinguish themselves from the crowd. It was in 1953, via a series of ministerial decrees, that some communes of the Cotes du Rhone were granted the right to give a little more personality to their wines by using their commune name on the label, on condition they followed stricter rules of production that those of the basic Cote du Rhone appellation. However, since the wines of several of the better communes were traditionally blended to ensure consistent quality, the decree of Nov. 16, 1967 created the appellation Cotes du Rhone-Villages for 74 communes. Wines from a single commune can now be called Cotes du Rhone followed by the name of the commune, or else Cotes du Rhone-Villages followed by the name of the commune, but wines that have been blended and come from several communes may only be called Cotes du Rhone-Villages without the name of the communes. Since 1967 forty-seven other communes have been added to the appellation now totaling 121 communes in the appellation Cotes du Rhone-Villages.

Enclaves des Papes Rhone Valley

Cotes du Rhone
Situated on a rocky slope, rich with truffles, the vineyard consistently reflects the highly expressive and pronounced characteristics of the Cote du Rhone: strength, bouquet, and balance. The Grenache cheerfully sustains the finesse of the Syrah grape. Centuries of winemaking techniques go into the production of this colorful wine with good body and marked flavors. Aged in oak, it has a very full aroma and a distinct flavorsome range of small stoned fruits, kirsch, black currants and a hint of liquorice. Compliments heavy sauces, game dishes, red meats and truffles. Serve at room temperature.

Cotes du Rhone - Cuvee Speciale
Produced in the vineyards situated within the Enclave des Papes located in the southeastern part of France, this noble wine is comprised of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The grapes are handpicked and carefully sorted, gently crushed, and left for 15 - 20 days, under controlled temperatures, in contact with the skins. Only free run juice is used (no pressing) and the wine is aged in tanks using micro-oxygenation. The result is a beautiful purple-red wine, which is powerful yet soft and rich with a red fruity aroma. Perfect to drink young or to age from 2-5 years. Compliments red meats, game & cheeses. Serve at room temperature.

Domaine Wilfried - Rasteau
The vineyards of Domaine Wilfried are located on the sun-drenched southwestern foothills of Rasteau where the soil consists of chalky clay mixed with round river stones. The varietals that make the Rasteau are 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, vinified in a traditional method. Each varietal is vinified and matured separately with at least one daily "remontage" (pumping-over the must). The cap is submerged three times during the fermentation. Long vatting on the skins (3 weeks) obtains an optimal extraction of aromas and colour. Final blending is done after the completion of the malolactic fermentation. The wine is first aged in cement and then wooden vats for at least 10 months before being bottled, which results in an rich, deep blackberry colour with purple reflections. The bouquet of ripe fruits such as black currants, black cherries and gooseberries with hints of vanilla and spices is evident, while in the mouth the tannins are present but rounded with a silky texture, and a very pleasant lingering finish. A fine complement to red and barbecued meats and cheeses. Serve at room temperature.

Cellier de L'Enclave des Papes - Croze Hermitage
An appellation since 1937, this wine is composed of 100% Syrah which comes from the Northern part of Valence in the Rhodanian hills. This is the largest vineyard of the northern Rhone appellations. The vines are planted in terraces of granite whose slopes have full southerly exposure and mistral winds from the north that are cool and dry. The grapes are fermented in open vats for 15-20 days. The wine is then aged in casks for a minimum of 18 months. The result is a full-bodied wine with a deep purple-red color and a bouquet of raspberries, blackcurrants, leather & spices. This wine is gracious & full with excellently balanced tannins that remain light on a pleasant finish. A fine compliment to small game, duck, river fish & poultry. Serve at room temperature.

Cellier de L'Enclave des Papes - Vacqueyras
In the country of Raimbut, the famous troubadour, wine has long since been a welcomed companion during feasting. The experience and know-how of the winegrowers who have earned the Vacqueyras label are behind the success of a wine produced in the villages of the Vacqueyras and Sarrians. On the stony, chalky soil, Grenache and Syrah vines produce generous reds with fruity undertones that will develop handsomely. The respect of long tradition is revealed here in a well-deserved consecration, particularly since the renowned Vacqueyras has long since won over true connoisseurs. This is a sturdy wine that is full bodied & with characteristics which have been recognized along with other great wines of the Rhone Valley. Vacqueyras is a welcomed companion to any meal of red meats or cheese dishes. Serve at room temperature.

Cellier de L'Enclave des Papes - Gigondas
Perhaps one of the most ancient vineyards known in the Rhone Valley (Pliny, 1st century BC) Gigondas had to wait until Jan. 6, 1971 before being consecrated a Cotes du Rhone vintage. This appellation does not have some of the venerable traditions that some subscribe to it. If the vine was grown here before the 16th century, then it was a part of subsistence cultivation on small plots of land surrounding this market town. For several centuries it was primarily a sheep rearing & olive growing area. The fall of the price of wool, brought about by Australian imports, meant that olives became the main crop. After the disastrous frost of 1956 & 1957, the vine replaced the olive tree, on the terraces & slopes, so the reputation as a wine growing area dates very much from the 20th century. The terrain is mostly composed of red clay terraces, gravely or pebbly, lying at the foot of, or on the slopes of, the imposing Dentelles des Montmirail Mountains. Born of rugged earth, comes this wine of characteristic strength & balance. Powerful & sunny, this wine will reveal its full worth after 3 or 4 years, yet young, has perfected balance and color with flavors of black fruits & licorice. Perfect for special family reunions. Serve at room temperatures.

Chateau Fargueirol Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Chateau Fargueirol is an exceptional site, situated on the plateau of Farguerol which has a dominant position in the prestigious Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation d'origine controlee. The origin of this chateau dates back to 1344 and was originally a papal property. In 1976 the Revoltier family acquired ownership of this land and continue to respect this magnificent property and the history of the Chateau, its winemaking traditions, and the preservation of the surrounding environment. The terroir of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the main reason for the quality of its wine. The soil of the appellation consists of 4 layers of clay terraces, containing a large number of sizeable boulders and large quartzite pebbles, washed down by the Rhone River. These absorb the sun's heat during the day and return it to the vines at night. There is a complex mixture of grape varietals that go into the production of this wine; no less than 13 of them, both red and white. Each grower's wine is made from those varietals that are best adapted to a particular part of the terroir without changing the general character of the appellation product. The most common varietal - Grenache - is generally combined with a number of other varietals that complements it perfectly; for example Syrah, Cinsaut and Mourvedre, to name a few. The harvest is done by hand in order not to bruise the bundles and any inferior grapes are removed. Vinification is done under controlled temperatures to allow the grapes to retain all of their nobility. Long periods of aging allows these wines to express themselves fully. This is a wine that is charming and fruity in its youth but capable of aging well. It has a dense, brilliant ruby color with a bouquet that is dominated by the aroma of fruit such as blackberries, aniseed, liquorice and other spices, which tend to truffles and leather with age. Good structure and balance, a long finish, and a full, round, smooth body makes this wine a perfect partner for any type of red meats, game, poultry and cheese. Serve at room temperature.

Domaine Van Ouest - Cotes du Ventoux
The terrior of this appellation d'origine controlee, wedged between the Cotes du Rhone and the Massive Mt. Ventoux, has vines that have been cultivated here since the 9th century by the Monks of Notre-Dame-du-Grozeaux. It was not until the 18th century that they spread onto the sides of Mont Ventoux. The villages of Caromb, Bedoin, Mazan and Mormoiron were such great producers of wine that local municipalities arranged for roads to be built to these villages so that the wine the inhabitants themselves could not drink, could be transported to Sault and elsewhere. The vineyards of the appellation are planted with the same grape varietals as the Cotes du Rhone; predominantly the Grenache vine, combined with the Cinsaut the Syrah and a little Carignan for the red wines. Here in the commune of Bedoin, on the foothills of the "Giant of Provence", Mt. Ventoux, lies the ancient vineyards of Domaine Van Ouest. This Cotes du Ventoux is a beautiful, elegant, ruby red wine with bluish reflections. It is fruity with a good balance of tannin and alcohol, well structured, with an earthy aroma of spices and anise. A fine match with red or grilled meats. Serve at room temperature.