Day 7

We started out today in the south Rhone valley. Just a few miles from the Mediterranean.  Our first stop was with Laurent Terrisson wines. We visited several of the cooperatives he produces and ha d tasting at two places. We visited the vineyards of Chante-Chigale. Can you say damn it was cold. The mistral winds were blowing hard through the valley and there is no protection in a vineyard.  We were able to see the old castle of the Pope not much remains since WW2.  At Cave de Rasteau we samed several wines from the cooperatives.  Domaine de la Maurelle a Cote du Rhone, A Maurelle gigondas, A Domaine Mas Cu Bouquet that was absolutely fabulous.  The Domaine Du Grand Prieur, Ch  des Hautes Ribes, and Domaine de la Curniere which is very rare in the states.  We also had to Vacqueras, Eternite and Vieilles Vignes. All very sound wines.  Ranging from soft and fruity to intense tannins. I you want to try one email me and I can give you more specifics.   We next went to his tasting room where he had severak producers set up. Chante Cigake, Ch Eitagr, Domaine le Columbier, Pierre Amadieu, Luc Pirlet, Domaine Duclaux, Ortas.  Each producer had several wines making it tough to talk about each one. Luc Pirlet wines are great easy drinking with structure, the Chante Cigale well what can I say it lived up to the quality I have come to know. All of the Le Colunbier wines were intense and full body beautifully structured with easy smoky, velvey characteristics.  The Rasteua Signature is a perfect compliment to any desert or after dinner avticivity.  Well balanced, sweet and supple. Soft elegant and smooth. And folks that was just the first stop of the day.