This article will introduce French Rhône Valley wine from Domaine La Garelle, Domaine La Guintrandy And Domaine La Mereuille.

If you want to learn more about the Rhône Valley Wine Region, you can click on the following link.

Introduction To Rhône Valley Wine Region

Domaine La Garelle, Rhone Valley, France

La Garelle’s vineyard, 35 kilometres to the east of Avignon, covers 61 acres at the foot of the Luberon mountain between the villages of Oppède and Ménerbes, which is listed as one of France’s most beautiful.

Its ‘terroir’ is exceptional, being both sandy and stony and vines have been grown here since Roman times.

Le Domaine la Garelle makes red, white and rosé AOC Luberon wines as well as Vins de Pays de Vaucluse A private winery was set up on the domain in 1995 under Robert Vlasman, who had been involved in the wine-world ever since 1955.

Creating wines of quality became the top priority of the vineyard thanks to the joint ambition of Robert Vlasman and Frédéric Blanc, who earned a degree in wine technology at Montpellier.

In 2008 La Garelle was bought by Alain Audet, a qualified agricultural engineer whose family comes from the Luberon and as owner-operator of the Domain’s 61 acres he is devoted to the same pursuit of quality with the help of his highly-motivated and passionate team:

The wine cellars are air-conditioned, a new pneumatic press has been brought in to replace the mechanical one and new vats have been installed. We now have a full cellar of wooden barrels, and an enlarged and welcoming tasting area.

AOP Lubéron Cuvée du Solstice, 2017

Pretty notes of red fruit and leather. A fruity dominant on blackberry, cherry and spices.

Age of the vine: 25 years

Aging potential: 3 years

Culinary Recommendation: To be Served at 19 C to 21 C. Good match with Meats, cheese

Awards:

Gilbert Gaillard, 2015

Tasted Magazine Andreas Larsson, 2015

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AOP Lubéron Grande reserve, 2015

This vintage offers us a "very cherry nose", spicy, smoky notes. Powerful and there are spices and red fruits.

Age of the vine: 50 years

Ageing potential: 7 - 10 years

Culinary Recommendation: To be served at 19 C to 21 C. Good match with Meat, Cheese.

Awards: 

Bronze Concours des vins Macon, 2012

87/100 Gilbert & Gaillard, 2012

Argent/ Sliver Concours des vins d'orange, 2015

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IGP de Vaucluese Merlot, 2018

Red fruits, black cherry, peppermint, Beautiful balance between lightness and tannins.

Age of the vine: 25 years

Ageing potential: 3 - 5 years

Culinary Recommendation: To be served at 19 C to 21 C. Good match with Meat in sauces.

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Domaine La Guintrandy, Rhone Valley, France

The Domaine La Guintrandy from the municipality of Visan is located on one of the most privileged terroirs of the southern Rhône - "Le Devès". Owned by the Cuilleras family since 1850, Olivier represents the 6th generation of winegrowers. The way of working and philosophy is characterized by natural viticulture with extremely reduced use of sulfur, unfiltered bottling of the wines (even the rosé) and exclusive hand-picking.

AOP Cotes du Rhone, Vielles Vignes, 2018

Black fruits, spice. Beautiful balance mixing tannins and curvature black fruits and licorice.

Age of the vine: 45 years

Ageing potential: 5 years

Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C. Good match with dishes Mediterranean paellas

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AOP Cotes du Rhone, Villages Visan, Vielles vignes, 2018

Bright pitted fruit, easy tannins, and pleasant finish. Medium high acidity. Nice spice and little oak.

Age of the vine: 30 to 50 years

Ageing potential: 7 - 10 years

Culinary Recommendation: To serve at 16 C. Good match with accompanying the truffles

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Domaine La Mereuille, Rhone Valley, France

Domaine La Mereuille is an old estate with more than two centuries of history in the Southern Rhone Valley. But as a vineyard, the estate is not that old.

In fact, prior to 1950, a good portion of the land was devoted to growing crops other than grapes for wine. Domaine la Mereuille produced their first wine in 1984. Domaine La Mereuille remains a family owned winery as the third generation is now firmly in charge of managing the winery, headed by Michel Bouyer.

AOP Cotes du Rhone, 2015

Fruits of the wood walls, garrigue. Round, Build, balance is good and very generous

Age of the vine: 70 - 75 years

Ageing potential: Can be drunk now, or be kept 10 years from now.

Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Red meat

Awards: 

Trophée du Savoir-faire Vigneron 2018

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AOP Chateauneuf du Pape, 2015

Notes fruits of the woods, with accents of jams mixed with cocoa tone. It is of excellent evolution. Contained power; The balance is good and very generous. Very promising.

Age of the vine: 70 years

Ageing potential: 15+ years

Culinary Recommendation: To serve at 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Red Meat

Awards: 

R. Parker: 90/92 :100

The Rhone Report: 90/100

Gilbert et Gaillard: 5 Coeurs

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2018: Sliver medal

Concours des Vins d'Orange 2016: Sliver medal

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AOP Chateauneuf du Pape Les Baptaurels, 2012

Leather notes mingle with black fruits. Powerful, fiery, full-bodied and long. Structured, full mouth. 

Age of the vine: 70 years

Ageing potential: 15+ years

Culinary Recommendation: To serve at 18 C. Good match with Mushroom, Cheese

Awards: 

88-90 Points | Stephen Tanzer's |WC

90-92 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

1ers Grands Vins Classes Magazine Milesimes

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AOP Chateauneuf du Pape <La Cuvee d'Aure, 2015

Wood, spicy, fine liquorice, on a background of stone fruits (plum, bigarreau). Delicate tannic and woody frame. The finish is healthy, velvety, airy.

Age of the vine: 70 years

Ageing potential: 15+ years

Culinary Recommendation: To be served at 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Red Meat

Awards: 

Concours ELLE a TABLE 2018 : Médaille d’OR 

JEB DIUNNUCK : 89/100

SYRAH du Monde : Médaille de Bronze

Grand Tasting Wine Awards 2018 Hong Kong: Médaille de Bronze

Gilbert et Gaillard : Médaille d’OR : 94/100

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