Serge Doré is a fan favorite and he returns to tell us about the place in France where he feels most at home: the Rhône. He's been in wine for decades, since he got his start in his native Quebec, and has been a wine importer and wholesaler out of Chappaqua, New York for almost as long as he's been in wine. To order any of the wines he mentions or those you find on Serge Dore Selections , go to Grapes The Wine Company

We've learned about life as an importer and about the business of wine in Bordeaux from Serge, and this time he tells us about the Rhône. If you are unfamiliar with the area, I'd check out the Rhône overview show first. This show goes into detail on regions and Serge regals us with stories of meetings with famous producers, and the spectacular wines they make. 

 

The show notes this week are primarily a list of the many producers Serge mentions in the show.

 

Big Northern Rhône Names:

• E. Guigal (king of Côte Rôtie), 
• Domaine Jean Michel Gerin (Côte Rôtie)
• M. Chapoutier (king of Hermitage)
• Domaine Jean-Louis Chave (Hermitage, mainly)
• Cornas: Domaine August Clape, Domaine Alain Voge (the Cornas appellation is much improved, more elegant)
• St. Joseph: J.L. Chave, Domaine Chez, Delas, Anthony Paret (also makes excellent Condrieu, a white-only appellation of Viognier)
• Crozes-Hermitage: Laurent Fayolle, Cave de Tain

It's from the southern Rhône but here we also mention a Roussanne wine in this converasation of whites: Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 

 

One great nugget Serge shares on Condrieu: It's good the year it is released, not after. Also, don't forget Hermitage Blanc -- it's stunning.

 Southern Rhône

• Cotes du Rhone Villages: we discuss Plan de Dieu – and Philippe Cambie
• Gigondas, Vacqueryas: We discuss Domaine du Pradas, Yves/ElisaCheron 

 We discuss fewer producers and more about the differences in Cru:

• Vinsobres: Higher in altitude, cooler climate, more elegant wine
• Cairanne: Bigger wine, bolder than Vinsobres
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueryas: Are all bolder styles
• Others mentioned: Lirac, Rasteau, Beaumes de Venise

Serge tells us the trick to getting good Cotes du Rhone: which is buy a brand, not something you’ve never seen unless you know the importer or producer! If you want the Estate Côte du Rhône he imports:  Domaine de Dionysos.

Serge tells us the most important thing about the Rhône and maybbe about wine in general these days:

 “It depends on who makes the wine and the attention they pay to the wines” 

   

And according to Serge this is getting easier as the younger generation is looking to focus on quality not quantity! Go togo to Grapes The Wine Company to order any of the wines Serge discusses! 

 

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