Latest news with #RhoneValley
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Tour de France 2025 live: Stage 16 route and updates today as riders tackle infamous Mont Ventoux
The Tour de France has made it through a gruelling three days in the Pyrenees and the riders have enjoyed a well-earned rest day in Montpellier - but hostilities recommence today as the race enters the Alps for the first time. Tadej Pogacar rampaged through the Pyrenees, winning atop Hautacam on stage 12, then demolishing the field in the time trial on stage 13, and those back-to-back wins have gone some way to ensuring the destiny of the Tour de France title is looking fairly well sewn up. Now with a rest day in his legs Pogacar's stranglehold over this Tour is likely to continue as the race returns to his favourite terrain, with the 'Giant of Provence' - Mont Ventoux - the star of the show today. It's the only climb on the menu on a 171.5km run from Montpellier to the summit, setting up an intriguing day's racing. Stage 16 preview Isolated in the landscape, towering over the Rhone valley and on the periphery of the Alps proper, Mont Ventoux is something of an outlier among the Tour's formidable ascents - but that makes it no less beastly. 15.7km long at an average gradient of 8.8%, reaching 1,910m above sea level, it has long been established in the annals of Tour history and plenty of riders will fancy writing their names into the history books with victory on its summit today. Flo Clifford22 July 2025 10:04
Forbes
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Sample These Rich Red And Crisp White French Summer Wines
The following wines come from the French wine regions within the Rhone Valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras), Provence, Languedoc, Brittany and Bordeaux (Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, Cadillac and Bourg). Vacqueyras, Vaucluse department, Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, France Domaine de Montvac. Vacqueyras. Alliance. 2024. 92-93 points. Wines from this domaine in the Rhone Valley are produced by 5th and 6th generation female winemakers: Cécile Dusserre and her daughter Amélie. This blend produced exclusively by Amélie includes eight different massal selected grape varieties and is Grenache dominant. Aromas are rich, spicy and long, the tannins are soft and the flavors creamy and supple. An intriguing blend of freshness and complexity. Although 14% in alcohol, this tastes lighter. La Vigne et L'Abeille. Alchimie. Vin de France. 2023. 92+ points. From Marina and Loic Fourure in Brittany on the west coast of France, not far from the Quiberon Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the winery means The Vine and the Bee and their vines are all massal selected. This blend of Chenin Blanc and Savagnin has 12.5% alcohol. Produced and aged in steel. Brilliantly precise citrics and acidity with a creamy, almost caramel finish. Château de Beaucastel. Hommage a Jacques Perrin. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 1998. 100 points. Tasted during a visit to the renovated winery complex in April. Complex tertiary aromas of orange peel, leather, star anise, herbs and black pepper. Slight caramel and prunes mid palate. Slick, balanced, suave and silky brilliant tannins. A complex river of subtle flavors in this avuncular, intimate and inspiring blend with an invigorating and lasting finish. This is a journey unlike you have taken before—quite the sensory yellow brick road. Château de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin, 1998 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France Domaine Court de Mautens. IGP Vaucluse. 2017. 95 points. From Jérôme Bressy in the Vaucluse in Provence, this golden colored white blend of eight grapes (including Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier) includes aromas of honey and caramel and is made from massal selected vines planted in 2009. Similarities to an excellent Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Aged in large wooden casks, this 16% alcohol wine has heft and a complex mid palate with flavors that include oranges. Maison Castel. Séries Limitées. Gigondas. 2022. 93+ points. From below the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, this Gigondas wine is a 68/20/12 blend of Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged 15 months partially in new oak. It includes cherry and red plum aromas, as well as herbs of Provence and cedar. Lusciously soft mid palate brazen with dripping red fruit, sleek tannins and pepper and spice on a zesty finish. The maker recommends pairing with a lamb tajeen with red onions; also consider a peach cobbler dessert. La Chouette du Chai. L'Orfraie. AOC Languedoc. 2023. 92+ points. The name of the wine means 'the cellar owl' and the winery is located in Pic Saint Loup in the Languedoc. From winemaker Syvlie Guiraudon, this is a 70/30 blend of Vermentino/Grenache Blanc that was vinified in steel at a low temperature; the grapes are all massal selected. 14.5% alcohol. Zesty acidity and lime citrics from the Vermentino and a delicious, creamy, fresh mid palate with a sparky finish. Pair with fresh seafood. Vines at the foot of Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, Vaucluse department, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur ... More region, France. Maison Castel. Séries Limitées. Terrasses du Larzac. 2022. 93-94 points. A 66/13/13/8 blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre/Carignan aged 12 months in barrels, amphorae and cement. 14.5% alcohol. Aromas of hickory, sage, smoke, molasses, tar and tarragon. A chewy and crunchy mouthful with flavors that include dark licorice, black plums, balsamic. Rich acidity folded onto lacquered layers of deep flavors. Well structured but quiet tannins. Mocha and aniseed on the finish. Complex and robust. Pair with a beef and mango tajeen or a lava chocolate cake. Famille Todeschini. Château Mangot. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. 2023. 96 points. Dark fresh aromas—both bright and deep—of red plums, orange rind, sultanas, figs, gorse and earth. A chewy delightful wine—rich, layered, jumping with flavors that include raspberries, cherries and fudge parfait. A textured wine deliciously fresh and balanced and oozing with vibrant flavors. A fluid non-static tannic structure, clean and tingling acidity. A forward and delicious way to being a dinner. Pair with pork and barbecue sauce or with a lasagna. Chateau Haut Peyrat. Prelude. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2022. 92-93 points. From Isabelle and Didier Gil. Earthy aromas of mushrooms, wet soil, cedar. A fresh and bright and well-balanced mid palate that shines with red fruit and includes a textured finish with a hint of chocolate. Beautiful acidity and light red fruit—plums, raspberries. The tannins take a back seat to acidity, which will help this wine age for decades. Château du Bousquet. Cotes de Bourg. 2022. 93+ points. This right bank Bordeaux wine includes the characteristic Malbec grape from Bourg and the alcohol level is 14%. Rich, rounded, perfumed aromas of honeysuckle and roses as well as mocha. Rich and opulent flavors include red cherries, herbs of Provence and red licorice. Well balanced and easy drinking with rounded soft tannins and a long cherry/orange finish. Pair with grilled lamb and tabouli. Bourg village, Bordeaux, France Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 97+ points. Aromas of black cherries, bacon, raspberries, sea salt, cassis, mocha, fudge and caramel. Cinnamon peeking out after minutes. Beautiful silky tannins, brilliant finish with chocolate and cherries. Light and rippling acidity. Needs time in the glass. Balanced with delicacy and harmony and subtle delights; lava cake on the finish. Château George 7. Fronsac. 2022. 94+ points. This 15% alcohol Merlot from Sally Evans on the right bank of Bordeaux originates from 40-year-old vines. Aged 18 months in French oak. A minestrone brew of dark, diverse, complex and compelling aromas including red plums, butterscotch, wild fennel and black licorice. Chewy and textured mid palate tannins and flavors include bouillon, blueberries and dark plums. Slight spice/cumin on a lip tingling finish. Pair with a piping hot meat pie or a blackberry tart dessert. Château de Haut Coulon. Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux. 2022. 92 points. This 13% alcohol right bank Bordeaux includes statured and hefty aromas of blackberry, anise, slight petrol and menthol. Chewy mid palate with tarragon and soy. Slightly complex with a generously long and well-rounded finish and well integrated tannins. Pair with roast beef and cheddar cheese.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Great Vines Can Help Make Great Wines
Lilian Bérillon, sitting in his office just north of Avignon in the Rhone Valley of France, spoke about a strange truth: many winemakers appear to be oblivious to which vines they buy. The grapevines from Pépinière Bérillon differ from most others produced in nurseries within France. Bérillon believes that the difference is reflected in the quality of wines produced, the sustainability of vines and—ultimately—in the country's long term agricultural health. Lilian Bérillon at his vine nursery near Avignon, Rhone Valley, France Tom Mullen 'I'm 53 years old and I've set up my own business,' he said. 'Both my grandfathers were nurserymen. Twenty-five years ago I understood the need to make a decision. Either we make vines for mass viticulture—for those who want to make a lot of grapes and volume of wine—or we make vines for quality agriculture. I wanted to create a different model for the nursery, geared exclusively towards winegrowers who want to make good wine. 'I made the choice to create a nursery for quality viticulture. The special feature in our nursery is that we only make 100% massal selection.' When vinegrowers replace vines—due to age, health or a decision to change the planted grape variety—they can visit a nursery and purchase vines that are clones, or else they can purchase vines that were grown from their parent vines—known as 'massal selection.' Clones have the advantage of having been bred to resist certain diseases; they have the potential disadvantage of being genetically identical. Vines produced via massal selection may be more susceptible to disease, but they are genetically diverse. Beginning in the 1950's in France (and much of the world) clones have grown to dominate the market. Bérillon estimates that some 8% of vine nurseries in France account for about 50% of total grapevine production, and that those using massal selection account for approximately 10% or less of all nurseries. He believes that genetic variability inherent in massal selected vines is advantageous because it provides plants with versatility, and that those vines at a young age can produce rich tasting wines. 'The vine became an industry, and a lot of cheap plants had to be produced, ignoring the desire to make great wines. But genetic diversity is indispensable. A property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape grew my plants and other plants next to them for comparison. In 2021 during the freeze, my plants lived, whereas the others had a 30% mortality rate. The vines are more resilient, and the wines are better because the terroir expresses itself. 'Today we see the limit of resistant vine varieties that were supposed to resist the diseases of downy mildew and oidium. Strains of mildew have evolved, and resistant vines catch mildew or other diseases. Any recognized scientist will explain that biodiversity is necessary for resistance. Our objective is not only the quality of juice, but the sustainability of the vine.' Wax dipped grape vines ready to be boxed and shipped Tom Mullen Bérillon is also concerned that some cloned vines appear to have relatively brief life spans of only 25 years, after which many need replacing. 'We need to be able to deliver a vine that can live for 50, 80 or 100 years. And it's possible.' He spoke of a professional he works with who assesses Syrah wines produced by two types of vines—cloned and those via massal selection. 'He always says that the tragedy of the clone is that it takes over the terroir.' The implication is that local soil and climate conditions will have less impact on the eventual taste of wine. (This and other related issues are highlighted in a 2024 French documentary [with English subtitles] that provides inputs from various winemakers regarding genetic diversity.) Bérillon's customers include prestigious estates such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pontet-Canet, Château Rauzan Segla, Chateau Canon and Château Ausone in Bordeaux as well as Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as other producers from throughout France. 'We have roughly 200 to 250 customers. But our nursery is quite an atypical model. Here there are 170 hectares [420 acres] and we have about 60 different grape varieties and 23 rootstock varieties—which means we can always meet European demand without too much difficulty.' The reason there is a difference between their number of vine and rootstock varieties is due to the subterranean phylloxera louse that wiped out huge swaths of the world's grape vines during the mid 19th century. That problem was solved by grafting disease resistance rootstock onto separate vines that produce grapes. The result is that the underground roots differ from fruit vines above. This also means that nurseries graft, or attach, rootstocks to vines. Staff at this nursery use the same foot operated grafting equipment designed by Bérillon's grandfather—each with the number 1950 embossed in metal, the year when the machinery was made. They method used is known as 'whip and tongue,' which is renowned to provide secure interlockings. A staff of eight can graft 2,000 vines per day. Bérillon's foot operated machines from the 1950's use the 'whip and tongue' grafting method Tom Mullen Bérillon's operation includes all facets of vine production—growing vines and rootstocks as well as grafting and handling sales, marketing and distribution. They pay no traders or subcontractors and train all staff extensively. 'We take a quality approach where everything is done by hand. It's a bit more expensive.' These massal selected vines cost about six Euros ($6.90) each to purchase, whereas most commercial cloned vines cost 1.5 Euros ($1.75). 'Investors understand that you have to start with a quality plant,' Bérillon said. 'When you sell a bottle for 30, 40 or 200 Euros, that cost is not so big. And the impact of the greater price is, over 50 years, about 12 cents per bottle.' Bérillon's business associate, Alain Guiraudon, spoke of surprise that wine producers are not more scrupulous in sourcing their vines and rootstocks. 'When you eat in a gourmet restaurant they bring you the plate and explain what's on it—and the life of each ingredient on your plate. They explain why a particular market gardener grew that tomato in a certain way. It's the same with the medical industry—sourcing and traceability is what people talk about. In our society there is a fear of not knowing where products come from.' Also visiting the nursery that day were winemaker Cécile Dusserre and her daughter Amélie. These fifth and sixth generation female winemakers from Domaine Montvac grows vines in Gigondas and Vacqueyras in the Rhone Valley. Cécile explained how they have worked with Bérillon for years. Amélie spoke of the results. 'We make 11 different wines from 14 different grape varieties. To have the best wines we need to have the best vines, and therefore the best grafts. Even with very young vines just starting to produce, what you have in the glass is already a great wine. It's rare to have such high quality complexity and diversity so young.' Later, I walked outdoors with Bérillon and gazed at fields of vines. 'We are creative,' he said. 'We have a vision that is modern, but with a mixture of tradition, of safeguarding methods, providing genetic diversity. In other words—common sense in agriculture. This plant nursery is unique because we produce material with genetic richness. 'I'm not a magician. If I deliver plants to a winegrower who doesn't work his soil, it won't work. It's really a job that involves both the nurseryman and the winegrower. We can't function without each other. 'I have a very personal, special perspective—which is that I love wine. When you love wine, you ask yourself questions for the winegrower, not just for the balance sheet. To make a great wine, you have to start with a good plant. For a great recipe, you need good ingredients.'
Forbes
14-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New Vintages Of Vidal Fleury's Top Wines In The Rhône Valley
Vineyards on the Cote-Rotie hill in the northern Rhone valley, copyright BKWine Photography BKWine Photography Vidal Fleury is the northern Rhône Valley's oldest producer still in operation. The house makes some excellent wines from syrah, the only red grape variety permitted in the region, and the three whites, viognier, marsanne and roussanne. Vidal Fleury was founded in 1781 in Ampuis, a small town in the heart of the Côte Rôtie and Condrieu appellations. Some of the Rhône Valley's most prestigious wines are made here. Over the years, Vidal Fleury has expanded its operations and now makes wines from the entire Rhône Valley, including the southern part. A few years ago, I tasted the producer's many wines alongside Antoine Dupré, the managing director, who is also an oenologist. Read my detailed presentation of Vidal Fleury from this encounter here: An Impressive Range Of Wines From The Rhône Valley, From Maison Vidal-Fleury. I recently met Antoine Dupré again and tasted new vintages of Vidal Fleury's wines from the Northern Rhône Valley. Antoine emphasises that he is careful to bring out freshness in the wines. It is essential for him to reduce the impact of the oak barrels on the wine; to use a smaller proportion of new barrels, let the wines remain in the barrels for a shorter time, and possibly use larger formats. The length can vary depending on the vintage, to prevent the fruit from drying out. "We are looking for elegance and lightness in our wines, not the muscular style," he says. Antoine Dupré, general manager of Vidal-Fleury in the Rhone Valley, copyright BKWine Photography BKWine Photography Vidal-Fleury has been producing its top wine, La Chatillonne, since 1781, the only one it has made since the beginning. 'We have always had this vineyard,' says Antoine. There are never many bottles of La Chatillonne, a maximum of 4,000. The wine comes from vines that grow in the northern part of the Côte Blonde with a soil of gneiss and clay. It is a special soil where the grapes ripen late but exceptionally well. Antoine says it is a 'sunny vineyard with a terroir that gives freshness'. Syrah is blended with 12% Viognier. The wine is not muscular; it is relatively light in style, yet boasts great complexity in its aromas and a richness on the palate. Here, you can feel the warmth and spices that are typical of the region's wines. The barrel ageing is discreet and its impact stays in the background. 2019 was 'a perfect year with no blockage of the maturation,' says Antoine. La Chatillonne, Cote Rotie, Vidal Fleury, Rhone Valley, copyright BKWine Photography BKWine Photography 2018 was another excellent vintage. It began with a rainy spring and a cold spell in April and May. Then came a hot and dry summer. The grapes ripened properly. A light rain in early September was welcome for the sake of balance. Here we have the lovely, elegant, and slightly light style again. A classic and well-balanced Côte Rôtie, very good to drink now, savoury with blackcurrant and exotic spices in the aromas. Long taste. (~90 euro/$102) A good alternative to La Chatillonne is Vidal-Fleury's Côte Rôtie Brune & Blonde, which blends grapes from the appellation's different soil types. Here, the wine comes from vineyard plots in both the northern and southern parts of the appellation and thus gives a good picture of the entire Côte Rôtie appellation (which is small, only 300 hectares/740 acres). The steeply sloping terraces face due south. 2021 was a cool and challenging year, and here they have chosen to blend syrah with only 5% Viognier. The flowering was delayed, and the summer was not particularly hot, but the sun managed to give the grapes enough sugar and aromas, and in the end, it was an excellent vintage. As often occurs in slightly cooler years, the typical syrah aromas are evident, and so they are here too. This is a wine that all Syrah lovers will be happy with. No problem drinking a 2021 now, but it will age nicely as well. (~55 euro/$62) Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde de Vidal Fleury, Rhone Valley, copyright BKWine Photography BKWine Photography Condrieu is a small appellation of only 200 hectares (495 acres), but it has achieved great international fame. The grape is 100% viognier, and for a long time, it was only found here in the northern Rhône Valley. Now it has spread further south in France and to other countries. However, in Condrieu, the grape achieves an expression that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. For its Condrieu, Vidal-Fleury only allows 30% of the must to ferment in new oak barrels, while the rest ferments in steel tanks. The wine then remains in its respective barrels or steel tanks for 14 months. This way, the freshness is not masked, and the wine gets a good structure. As is often the case with viognier, aromas of ripe yellow fruit, apricot and ripe melons dominate. You can feel the sweetness of this ripe fruit in the richness of the palate. The acidity is not so prominent, but the wine has a certain vibrancy that I like. A delicious wine with a lot of body and a lovely mouthfeel. (~35 euro/$40) White wines from Vidal Fleury, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint Joseph, Condrieu, Rhone Valley, copyright BKWine Photography BKWine Photography From the top of the legendary Hermitage Hill, you have a splendid view of the Rhône River, the steep wine slopes and the two twin towns of Tain l'Hermitage and Tournon, on either side of the river. Hermitages are often powerful and well-structured wines, and so is this 2022 vintage from Vidal-Fleury, where I also find a savoury pepperiness. The wine can be drunk with pleasure already now with a good piece of meat - the tannins are not at all in the way - or aged for many years. (45 euros) The summer of 2022 was very dry, but a bit of rain in mid-August provided the water needed to produce fine grapes, bursting with sugar and aromas. From Vidal Fleury, look also for more excellent wines from the northern Rhône: And the whites: —Britt Karlsson Read more on the Rhône Valley on Forbes:
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
As a landslide threatens an Alpine village, Swiss authorities expand the evacuation order
Swiss authorities on Monday expanded the evacuation of an Alpine village threatened by a possible landslide, ordering most of its people to leave. More than 90 people were evacuated on Saturday night from their homes in Blatten, in the Lötschental — a valley above the larger Rhone valley in the southern Valais canton (state). On Monday, authorities in Valais announced the complete evacuation of the village of some 300 people, with the exception of two areas, citing a risk of falling rocks and landslides. It wasn't immediately clear when residents would be able to return home. Local official Matthias Ebener told public broadcaster SRF that 'the situation is very acute.' There have been repeated small rockfalls in the area. In 2023, residents of the village of Brienz in eastern Switzerland were evacuated before a huge mass of rock slid down a mountainside, stopping just short of the settlement. Brienz was evacuated again last year because of the threat of a further rockslide.
