Rhone versus Burgundy wine regions
Jul 7th, 2010, 04:33 AM
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Rhone versus Burgundy wine regions
Hi,
I'm planning a week's trip driving from Paris to Provence and I can't decide whether it would be better to have a day of wine tasting in Rhone or Burgundy. Does anyone have any suggestions of which is better? I'm going with my mum who prefers white wine, whereas I prefer reds.
Many thanks!
I'm planning a week's trip driving from Paris to Provence and I can't decide whether it would be better to have a day of wine tasting in Rhone or Burgundy. Does anyone have any suggestions of which is better? I'm going with my mum who prefers white wine, whereas I prefer reds.
Many thanks!
Jul 7th, 2010, 07:44 AM
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I've been to Burgundy many times and recommend it.
The primary grape for red wine is pinot noir. A lesser wine is made with gamay grapes. My favorite is passetoutgrains, a blend usually of 2/3 gamay and 1/3 pinot noir. This can vary and have as much as 2/3 pinot noir.
The primary grape for white wine in Burgundy is chardonnay. I prefer a lesser known grape, aligoté.
Tastings can be had in any store with the dégustation sign hanging out. You can buy there of course, also. There are a number of stores in Beaune. If you are a cognac drinker try the marc de Bourgogne.
Santé!
The primary grape for red wine is pinot noir. A lesser wine is made with gamay grapes. My favorite is passetoutgrains, a blend usually of 2/3 gamay and 1/3 pinot noir. This can vary and have as much as 2/3 pinot noir.
The primary grape for white wine in Burgundy is chardonnay. I prefer a lesser known grape, aligoté.
Tastings can be had in any store with the dégustation sign hanging out. You can buy there of course, also. There are a number of stores in Beaune. If you are a cognac drinker try the marc de Bourgogne.
Santé!
Jul 7th, 2010, 09:23 AM
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Hi SB,
>I can't decide whether it would be better to have a day of wine tasting in Rhone or Burgundy.<
A: Are you such a connoisseur that your trip would be ruined by the wrong choice?
B: Where in Provence will you be going?
>I can't decide whether it would be better to have a day of wine tasting in Rhone or Burgundy.<
A: Are you such a connoisseur that your trip would be ruined by the wrong choice?
B: Where in Provence will you be going?
Jul 15th, 2010, 10:49 AM
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Hi all and thanks for your responses!! I have to say (being an Australian) I'm not overly familiar with either the Burgundies or Rhône wines - hence my question. Although the good news is that is sounds like they're both equally gorgeous in scenary and taste so maybe we should just see what we feel like when we arrive?
Ira - you asked where else I was going in provence. We're trying to keep things a bit open because we'll be driving around the area and want to be able to take duck into any little villages/sites that we like the look of. But of course we'll be going Aix en Provence, Avignon, Lyon, Nimes and I hear Gordes is stunning. Do you have any other suggestions/recommendations?
Thanks again,
s.
Ira - you asked where else I was going in provence. We're trying to keep things a bit open because we'll be driving around the area and want to be able to take duck into any little villages/sites that we like the look of. But of course we'll be going Aix en Provence, Avignon, Lyon, Nimes and I hear Gordes is stunning. Do you have any other suggestions/recommendations?
Thanks again,
s.
Jul 15th, 2010, 11:17 AM
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I respect others opinions and tastes but I've had better experiences in the Southern Rhone areas for wine tasting. The burgundies were available in Beaune and I have explored on several occasions--just haven't connected on any level. I've always suspected that my California Pinot Noir experience has clashed with the burgundies of the same varietal.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous in the Rhone but Gigondas, Cairrane, Rasteau and Vayqueras are all worthy destinations. We've incorporated many tastings into the inevitable wanderings about Provence and recent vintages have provided rich rewards. The Rhone blends of syrah (shiraz), mouvedre and grenache along with others give oportunities for value as well as extreme quality. I continue to recommend a visit to the Cave du Gigondas in the village of the same name--its a cooperative and has extensive offrings to taste. Another plus for the Rhone area is their willingness to embrace guests at the individual wineries--much more likely than the Burgundy area wineries.
Like I said--just my taste and experience. Have fun--Paul
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous in the Rhone but Gigondas, Cairrane, Rasteau and Vayqueras are all worthy destinations. We've incorporated many tastings into the inevitable wanderings about Provence and recent vintages have provided rich rewards. The Rhone blends of syrah (shiraz), mouvedre and grenache along with others give oportunities for value as well as extreme quality. I continue to recommend a visit to the Cave du Gigondas in the village of the same name--its a cooperative and has extensive offrings to taste. Another plus for the Rhone area is their willingness to embrace guests at the individual wineries--much more likely than the Burgundy area wineries.
Like I said--just my taste and experience. Have fun--Paul
Jul 15th, 2010, 11:41 AM
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Jul 16th, 2010, 06:08 AM
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Macanimals - we are also big fans of Rhone reds. Are tastings and /or tours offered year round? We will be there in March ( and-no! I am not stalking you 
Your posts tend to be on the topics we are interested in!
Your posts tend to be on the topics we are interested in!
Jul 16th, 2010, 07:15 AM
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"Are tastings and /or tours offered year round? "
Absolutely--although most of my visits have been in the April to October time frame. We have visited many times and my wine explorations have expanded over the years--the time of the year shouldn't be much of a factor as the fields and winemaking facilities are quiet in March. I tend to visit independently i.e. without a guide and sometimes without much in the way of reservation. Both would help if you have limited time--Jean Baptiste at Cave du Verger (www.caveduverger.com) has been great fun when I've escorted a group or had friends--its in Chateauneuf-du-Pape at the top of the village,--a retail outlet with excellent education and presentation. But the villages of Cairanne and Gigondas, Seguret and others are scenic and reward you with good offerings (cheaper too!). Even the weekly village markets will have stands with local wines which can be fun--its everywhere.
A first time visitor to the area would do well with limited time to sign up with a guide although I don't have one to recommend. In our apartments, we have enjoyed the prevalent "roses"--but they tend to go with the warmer weather. Great wine opportunities always!
Absolutely--although most of my visits have been in the April to October time frame. We have visited many times and my wine explorations have expanded over the years--the time of the year shouldn't be much of a factor as the fields and winemaking facilities are quiet in March. I tend to visit independently i.e. without a guide and sometimes without much in the way of reservation. Both would help if you have limited time--Jean Baptiste at Cave du Verger (www.caveduverger.com) has been great fun when I've escorted a group or had friends--its in Chateauneuf-du-Pape at the top of the village,--a retail outlet with excellent education and presentation. But the villages of Cairanne and Gigondas, Seguret and others are scenic and reward you with good offerings (cheaper too!). Even the weekly village markets will have stands with local wines which can be fun--its everywhere.
A first time visitor to the area would do well with limited time to sign up with a guide although I don't have one to recommend. In our apartments, we have enjoyed the prevalent "roses"--but they tend to go with the warmer weather. Great wine opportunities always!
Jul 16th, 2010, 08:43 AM
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Burgundy has its fans, but if I was making this trip I'd do the Rhone wines in a heartbeat. They're just a lot more interesting and pair so well with food. And for my palate, the food in Provence is far superior.
Your mom might enjoy the French rose (can't do the accent mark) wines. They tend to be light and fresh and a nice way for white wine drinkers to expand their repertoire.
I've done bike trips in both Burgundy and Provence. Only the latter beckons me back endlessly.
Your mom might enjoy the French rose (can't do the accent mark) wines. They tend to be light and fresh and a nice way for white wine drinkers to expand their repertoire.
I've done bike trips in both Burgundy and Provence. Only the latter beckons me back endlessly.
Jul 16th, 2010, 09:25 AM
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If you are in Provence, have their wines. They are delicious. As has been said, Chateaunuef du Pape is there, as are a myriad other delicious wines. The Roses are truly lovely, and should NEVER be mistaken for what we let pass for it in the US.
Jul 17th, 2010, 08:54 AM
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REally--a real French rose? Nice for a hot summer day. We did a barge trip in Burgundy, and I DO love the aligote also, that someone mentioned. But there are lots and lots of little treasures in the Rhone valley. I wish I had the name of the winery we had at a dinner--it was from Cassis, I believe, and just lucious. This is not "new" news, but many of the Rhone wines are really "meant" for drinking with food. In the US we have become so used to subbing wine for our cocktail as a pre-dinner drink, sometimes we forget that it is really best when properly paired with your meal. They are not "stand alones" always.
Jul 17th, 2010, 10:03 AM
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We're big fans of white Burgundy, whether from Chardonnay or other grapes. A great place to stay is Domaine des Anges in Puligny-Montrachet, one of the very best villages; www.domainedesangespuligny.com. There's a local caveau in town with tasting flights.
Like Rhone reds, too, although some can be quite rustic. With a week, why not stop in both places? Here's a link for tasting rooms near Orange, which is right off the A6:
http://uk.otorange.fr/home/discover/our-wineries.aspx
Maybe I'm not discriminating enough, but I'd never turn down a Provençal rosé to enjoy with half a roasted chicken at an outdoor table.
Like Rhone reds, too, although some can be quite rustic. With a week, why not stop in both places? Here's a link for tasting rooms near Orange, which is right off the A6:
http://uk.otorange.fr/home/discover/our-wineries.aspx
Maybe I'm not discriminating enough, but I'd never turn down a Provençal rosé to enjoy with half a roasted chicken at an outdoor table.
Jul 17th, 2010, 09:39 PM
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The areas around southern Rhone valley and Burgundy are both beautiful. My personal preference for the terrain, vineyards and villages would be for Burgundy.
However, since your taste for wine has possibly been irrevocably damaged by drinking Australian wines (just kidding), you may find the southern Rhone wines more accessible.
The fame of Burgundy wines is based on _aged_ reds (Pinot Noir) and whites (Chardonnay), and what you'll get in free tastings won't be anything close to the real story.
If you want to experience good Burgundies, the "trick" is pretty simple. Go to a small negociant and make clear you plan to _buy_ one or more bottles around 75-125 euro. Then ask if they have any older wines that will help you judge how various appelations may mature. In most cases, that will get the good wine (in the same or somewhat higher price range) opened.
Southern Rhones are rich and easy and not nearly so complicated or expensive as Burgundies. 2007 was a stunning vintage, although southern Rhones also benefit greatly from aging, so it's pretty early to be getting their full beauty.
CdP's (reds) are a varied blend of up to 7 red and 6 white wines. They're a bit pricey because of good marketing (and taste), but "youngish" CdPs can often be much more interesting tnan young Granache wines. Many of the 2007's are delicious even now.
Here's a good introduction to Rhone wines:
http://www.thewinedoctor.com/regionalguides/rhone.shtml
BTW, northern Rhones (reds are made from Syrah) are generally considered superior to southern Rhones, but they're expensive and need looonnnggg aging.
In the end, you'll have a blast in either region!
-- Paul
However, since your taste for wine has possibly been irrevocably damaged by drinking Australian wines (just kidding), you may find the southern Rhone wines more accessible.
The fame of Burgundy wines is based on _aged_ reds (Pinot Noir) and whites (Chardonnay), and what you'll get in free tastings won't be anything close to the real story.
If you want to experience good Burgundies, the "trick" is pretty simple. Go to a small negociant and make clear you plan to _buy_ one or more bottles around 75-125 euro. Then ask if they have any older wines that will help you judge how various appelations may mature. In most cases, that will get the good wine (in the same or somewhat higher price range) opened.
Southern Rhones are rich and easy and not nearly so complicated or expensive as Burgundies. 2007 was a stunning vintage, although southern Rhones also benefit greatly from aging, so it's pretty early to be getting their full beauty.
CdP's (reds) are a varied blend of up to 7 red and 6 white wines. They're a bit pricey because of good marketing (and taste), but "youngish" CdPs can often be much more interesting tnan young Granache wines. Many of the 2007's are delicious even now.
Here's a good introduction to Rhone wines:
http://www.thewinedoctor.com/regionalguides/rhone.shtml
BTW, northern Rhones (reds are made from Syrah) are generally considered superior to southern Rhones, but they're expensive and need looonnnggg aging.
In the end, you'll have a blast in either region!
-- Paul
Oct 11th, 2010, 08:55 PM
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To Eurocentric (with apologies to shaya_b)
Can you recommend any village accommodation a little bit further south than your excellent suggestion of Domaine des Anges in Puligny-Montrachet? (It is just a bit too far north for our requirements).
We are looking around the Macon region if this helps.
M_W_N_N
Can you recommend any village accommodation a little bit further south than your excellent suggestion of Domaine des Anges in Puligny-Montrachet? (It is just a bit too far north for our requirements).
We are looking around the Macon region if this helps.
M_W_N_N
