Rhone Valley recommendations

A few notes and recommendations from a recent trip to the Rhone valley.

// South

The south typically has Grenache/Syrah blends, with the majority being Grenache. It's also an area well known for Rosé. In general, there are tasting rooms in the centers of most town, but don't always yield the most interesting results. CNdP would be the exception. Other often require an appointment so plan to call ahead.

In Chateau-Neuf de Pape you have the most well known houses, but also the most tourists. Expect big-bold age-worthy wines.

• Cheateau Pegau - This was the 'no bullshit guy' as Dave described him. My favorite of the CNdP. Tasting room in town.
• Domaine Trintignant - we bought a case of wine from here from a very Charismatic sales person.  Tasting room in town.
• Cheateau Beaucastel - considered one of the top classic producers (never had it)
• Chateau Rayas   - considered one of the top classic producers (never had it)
• Vieaux Telegraphe  - considered one of the top classic producers (never had it)

Rosé

• Taval

Ventoux

A lesser known area, but has some great wines being produced.

• Chateau Valcolme - is one we went to and most of us loved the wine.
• Check the list of other producers in south Rhone imported by Rosenthal - http://www.madrose.com/index.php/france/cotes-du-rhone-south - they are always a good benchmark

If you go further south into Provence, Bandol is an amazing region:

• Domaine Tempier - reds and rosé
• Chateau Pradeaux - get something older ; ) these definitely need time in the bottle

// North

Some great producers in the north to look for. Most of the reds are Syrah based and there area of Hermitage has the most age-worthy bottlings. If you can't visit, perhaps you'll find something on a wine list. Most need an appointment.

• Pierre Gonon - St. Joseph
• Bernard Levet - Cote Roti - the most interesting, funky and rustic wines on the area
• Yves Cuilleron - known for whites
• Domaine Combier - Croze-Hermitage
• Robert Michel in Cornas - (this domaine is no longer producing wine, but what's out there is good)

Tains L'Hermitage is a cute town to stay in. There is a charming wine shop that does tasting right in the center of town, and you have easy access to hiking trails through the Hermitage hill.