Capri Ristorante, McLean VA

Tasting Overview  

The  main objective of this tasting is to assess and compare wines from three different regions of the Rhone Valley.

The Rhone region  (see map) is located in the southeast of France on the river of the same name that runs from north to south from the Swiss Alps to Marseille (500 miles) and is mainly dedicated to the production of red wines (95%).  These are characterized by a higher alcohol content (14-15%) than in the rest of France (13-13.5%).  It is divided into four sub-regions, the two most important are the southern one with  the largest volume of production, and the northern one that produces the most prestigious wines of the region and that compete with those of Bordeaux and Burgundy. There are wine production records in the region since 71AD but its boom came when Pope Clement V moved the pontifical headquarters to Avignon in 1309.  About 75 percent of the wines for the papal court were from Rhone. Chateauneuf du Pape comes from there), the rest were from Burgundy.

The north Rhone region is home to the well-known appellations of Crozens–Hermitage and Hermitage which, being on the right side of the river, are favored by  the setting sun.  This region is the land of the Syrah grape, which is the only red grape allowed in wines, and Viognier for whites along with the Marsanne and Roussanne in the appellations of Condrieu and Chateau Grillet.  Whites are opulent and full-bodied. Vineyards are mainly family properties in steep slopes of the river and more than half of the wine is bottled by “negotiants” or traders (Chapoutier, Delas, Guigal,etc.). Northern reds are famous for their ability to age and improve over time (a good Hermitage is only optimal for drinking after 8 or up to 10 years of bottling).  Whites are at their point between 18 months and four years.

The southern Rhone region is very different in its topography (flat) and its wines, most are mixtures of various grapes and are lighter, because of the Grenache grape, that the northern ones dominated by the Syrah.  Even though the Syrah is booming, and is used in the blends to extend the life of the wine, Grenache is the most cultivated and is combined mostly with Carignan, Cinsault (Hermitage) and Mouverdre.. Reds tend to be fruity, with light species and herbs and tannins while northern reds are more chocolatey with flavors of black fruits, mocha and tobacco and stronger tannins characteristic of the Syrah grape. Cooperatives make about 70 percent of the wine, but there are appellations such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages within which 20 Villages (Villages) can add their name to the wine label (i.e. Giocondas, Vacqueiras, etc.). Rules here limit the yield of the vineyard to no more than 42 hl/ha (usually 50 or more in other regions) and require a minimum of 12.5 percent alcohol. No rosé production is allowed in the appellations of Chateauneuf but this occurs in the other Appellations in the region in important quantities and of good quality (only rosé is allowed in AC Tavel). Southern reds can last up to 25 years but do not improve over time after about 6 years and whites should be drunk young (maximum two years).

Climate: In the north it is continental with very cold winters and very warm summers suitable for robust grapes.  In the south it is Mediterranean suitable for fruit trees and vineyards. Common risks are rains during flowering in the north, frost and cold winds (mistral) in the south, and excessive rains in the fall that favor fungi.  Any one of those phenomena can ruin the crops.

Soils.  The north soils are granite residuals from the Massif Central of volcanic origin with excellent drainage, micas, flint and limestone residues.  In the south they are clay with gravel and limestone rock residue.

Type of Tasting: Blind

Wines presenters: Alberto Gómez, Jaime Jaramillo, Jairo Sánchez

These are the wines: TBA

1. 2015 Nobles Rives, Cave de Tain, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc
2. 2015 Vieilles Vignes, Domaine La Milliere, Chateaneuf Du Pape
3. 2014 Le Pas de L’Aigle, Pierre Amadieu, Gigondas
4. 2015 Les Hauts Lieux, Maison de Nuziere, Cote Rotie

This is the menu:

• Gazpacho
• Cheese plate
• Veal ravioli
• Beef Bourguignon
• Dessert/Coffee

Participants: Mario Aguilar, Marcello Averbug, Jorge Claro, Clara Estrada, Jorge García, Alberto Gómez, Jaime Jaramillo, Agilson Perazza, Claudia Perazza, Jorge Requena, Jairo Sanchez, Cristian Santelices,  Pedro Turina, German Zincke

Information on the Wines

(The information below has been compiled from various internet sources) .

2015 Nobles Rives, Cave de Tain, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

The Wine: Elegant and racy, with citrus spiked acidity nicely balanced by ripe pear, tropical apple and a hint of orange. Another terrific value from this acclaimed cooperative. Crozes-Hermitage white wines, made from Marsanne and Roussanne, are typically dry and medium-bodied, with rich flavors of white fruits and almonds.

GRAPES – Blend Marsanne and Roussan; STYLE – Elegant; TASTE — Citrus, Pear; BODY — Medium-bodied

The Winery: Shaped by our winegrowers, with its little dry stone walls, the imposing hill exposes its steep, south-facing terraces, sheltered from the northerly winds. The plain of Valence stops at its foot in the south, and in the west the Doux valley allows for a dip in the Ardeche plateau, prolonging the late afternoon sun exposure.  The vine culture on the Hermitage dates back over 2000 years and contributes to the legend. On these terraces, the work is done entirely by hand, the small walls stabilize the soil and the stakes (traditional wooden pegs) guide the vine. Cave de Tain, continues to embrace the traditions of tying the vines with straw, with that fine action of quickly and precisely tying “straw knots”: it takes years to master it!

Read more at: https://www.cavedetain.com/en/