“Underrated Gems: The Rich Whites of the Rhône Valley”

The whites of the Rhône Valley do not always have the esteem they deserve because their richness can sometimes surprise or even disturb some amateurs in search of freshness. Nevertheless, they offer an often unsuspected aging potential, and their beautiful and strong personality makes them ideal companions for southern cuisine.

Tasting conditions
The wines of the southern Rhône Valley were selected and tasted by Roberto Petronio, those of Provence by Karine Valentin, the wines of Corsica by Christian Martray, those of Languedoc by Caroline Furstoss and those of Roussillon by Jérémy Cukierman. Prices shown are for current vintages.

Southern Rhône Valley, all in delicacy and delicacy

98/100
Château Rayas
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2013
It develops scents of almond, even oriental pastry, with a lot of fruit and a tannic perception despite its flesh. It stretches in length with a note of orange sorbet, then evolves towards mint. Emmanuel Reynaud remembers the taste of the original grapes in vats. A great white for palates educated in Southern wines. Price: NC

98/100
Clos des Papes
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021
Of the five grape varieties present here, Bourboulenc and Picpoul temper the richness of the year. Aged in stainless steel vats, this white is always bottled early. It smells of the beautiful plants of the South with its notes of wild fennel but also the sparkle of pebbles. A wine of flesh, pure and all in suavity, of a masterful balance, intended for a beautiful and long aging. Stunning. Prix : 59 €…