Sunday, March 25, 2012

Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and ...

My recent visit to Gigondas, Rhône, France.

Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. I am here to taste the iconic wines of the area: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes de Venise. I’m finding truly excellent and affordable wines here.

The further south I go in my travels of the area, the more robust and serious the wines become. Northern Rhône wines are structured, elegant, delicate beauties. Southern Rhône wines are big, fruit driven, and food friendly. This charming old village is presided over by 11th-century Ste. Catherine's church, sitting up high, with its clock tower, belfry and old sundial. It's a fairly large complex of buildings and grounds still in operation. The narrow cobblestone streets below are lined with stone houses and shops.

While in the village, be sure to dine at Carré Gourmand restaurant. I ordered a medley of appetizers and enjoyed them with 2008 La Syrah de Pénélope Gigondas. Dark and mysterious, exuding a dusty, leathery, dark berry bouquet with flavours of blackberries, vanilla bean & dark chocolate, with firm tannins. The finish is surprisingly soft, satisfying completely. An intriguing wine of Cotê du Rhone.

More about Gigondas, the village: http://www.beyond.fr/villages/gigondas.html

Spectacular photos of Gigondas: http://www.gigondas-vin.com/terroir/les_dentelles_de_montmirail.php

Arial photo of Gigondas:

Carré Gourmand Restaurant: http://www.detour-du-chemin.com/

More about the wine: http://www.terroir-france.com/region/rhone_gigondas.htm

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2008, Sella & Mosca. I like it a lot! Cannonau is another name for...

P117

Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2008, Sella & Mosca. I like it a lot! Cannonau is another name for Grenache, and it does indeed taste a lot like a Southern Rhône. This rustic yet elegant wine starts with aromas of leather and reveals black raspberry, tart black cherry, spice, wild berries, & spicy smoke. It is medium to full-bodied, with earthy, toasty flavours and firm tannins. We enjoyed it with barbecued steak; and it will do fine with strong cheeses and Italian sausage.

VINTAGES 425488 | $15.95

Friday, March 9, 2012

RT @jimestill: "In the pursuit of knowledge, something is added every day. In the pursuit of enlightenment, somet...

RT @jimestill: "In the pursuit of knowledge, something is added every day. In the pursuit of enlightenment, something is dropped every day." Lao-tzu

Just watched "Harvey" on TCM. An interesting 1950 comedy fantasy farce movie Wouldn't want to see it mutiple time...

Just watched "Harvey" on TCM. An interesting 1950 comedy fantasy farce #movie Wouldn't want to see it mutiple times, but it is entertaining and causes one to think. Jimmy Stewart does a very good job as the main character who's friends with an imaginary 6 ft tall rabbit. Or is he?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Havin Guinness and wings at Kilt and Clover in Beamsville. Nice new venue.

_0xe9f6270

Havin Guinness and wings at Kilt and Clover in Beamsville. Nice new venue.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Ice, wine, food, people at the Cuvee Gala at Fallsview,

_0x3d9e80

Ice, wine, food, people at the Cuvee Gala at Fallsview, #Niagara #VQA #winep

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Succulent Ostrich with 1990 Côte-Rôtie Northern Rhône at Devil's Pulpit Golf Assoc. Fantastic service, wine, food in the most gorgeous setting!

_0xf939800

Succulent Ostrich with 1990 Côte-Rôtie Northern Rhône at Devil's Pulpit Golf Assoc. Fantastic service, wine, food in the most gorgeous setting!