Selected Domaines of the Southern Rhone (3 nights)

Available most weeks March-October,  tours run wednesday-saturday : check availability for precise dates.

The perfect introduction to the region which Robert Parker describes as "the greatest quality/price ratio of any top red wine region in the world"

Price per person: From: 950 Euros Special Partner Price: 700 Euros

Wednesday:
Arrive at La Madelene in the late afternoon/early evening; settle in, introduction to weeks programme, drinks on the terrace, dinner chez La Madelène - if the weather is decent al fresco on the terrace, or in the old chapel dining room. We will taste two fine wines over dinner, perhaps a white Chateauneuf du Pape such as Nalys 2005 and a red such as Cuvee du Vatican Sixtine 2006.


Thursday:
After a leisurely breakfast on the terrace an introductory briefing on the Rhone valley in our Atelier (workroom) followed by a tutored tasting allows guests to compare and contrast the major grape varieties of the region - Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier. We include a short introduction to tasting technique so all our guests have a common language for the days ahead. A buffet lunch is served on our terrace. In the afternoon we set out to visit two of the best estates aong the Dentelles de Monmirail escarpment. You will taste at Louis Barruol's superb Chateau de Saint Cosme at Gigondas, the oldest estate of the appellation with a stellar reputation, as well as Domaine Mourchon at Seguret , one of the best Cotes du Rhone villages available and curently achieving Parker scores of 92, remarkable for the appellation..  Returning to La Madelène we will take our aperitif on the terrace before setting out for a four- course meal at one of our favourite restaurants such as St. Hubert at Entrechaux.
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Friday:
Your third day takes you straight to the pride of the southern Rhone: Chateauneuf du Pape.  We will visit and taste at three of the great names. Firstly, Domaine Vatican where the Diffonty family fashion fabulous wines from their terroir on the appellation's very special Le Crau vineyards.  Our second visit might be Domaine Pegau , sublime traditional wines made by the appellation's premier female wine maker Laurence Feraud..or Domaine Solitude , a  producer whose lineage is traceable to servants of the Avignon popes. and where we will be treated to a tasting in their private tasting room. Lunch today is at the restaurant Verger des Papes just below the ruin of the old papal summer palace,  after which we conclude our Chateauneuf day with a visit/tasting at  Chateau La Nerthe with it's stunning 18th century chateau and ancient cellars.  We return to La Madelène in time for you to recharge, perhaps play petanque on our court, or swim and get ready for your aperitif on the terrace before we serve a four- course dinner, on the terrace when the weather is fine. Dinner will be accompanied by some mature examples of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, perhaps a 2003 Goubert Cuvee Florence and a 2000 Beaucastel.


Saturday:
After breakfast we take the beautiful road past Suzette high up in the Dentellles for our final Domaine visit - to Domaines de Bernadines, which produces the best Beaumes de Venise dessert wine as well as very special dry Muscats and fine Rosé. The Selected Domaines tour concludes around 12:00pm on Saturday when I will return you to La Madelène
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Price per person:
950 euros, room sharers:
1050 euros singles

Special partner rate:
700 euros

Partner rates apply to partners sharing your room who do not wish to participate in the wine tours. Partners will receive all La Madelène meals offered to full paying guests as well as evening restaurant meals. On 6-night tours a light lunch is available to partners when course participants are taking a tour