More Wine tasting consolidated, Rhone region: Chateauneuf du Pape, Sablet, Beaumes-de Venise

 



October 20-21, 2025

Chateauneuf du Pape  region



The Chateauneuf du Pape region is characterized by the large Rhone river rocks that force the vines to root deep and produced the characteristic mineral flavor of their wines. This time, we visited 

Chateau Fortia winery 
Chateau Fortia is one of the oldest wineries in the region. This historic estate played a pivotal role in establishing France's first Appellation Contrôlée system (AOC), thanks to the efforts of Baron Pierre Le Roy. The winery is run by his granddaughter today. 

    
Enjoyed at least 5 wines, the white was the surprising winner for me. I intend to drink it on the Nile in another 10 days.   Only 850 bottles of one of two white wines we tried were produced this year.  The Chateauneuf du Pape region is famous for their reds, especially the GSM blends: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 


Beaumes-de Venise region
Beaumes-de-Venise  is not our fav, but politely tried and continue to prefer  Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Papes regions. 

Then we went to another collective/Cave  in the region at RhoneA in Beaumes-de-Venise & tried 7  wines. Now we are certain that Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Papes are our preferred AOC or Appellation d'origine contrôlée



Sablet region (AOC)

Sablet has vin info building with tastings on the central road. Our hostess shared vast and relevant knowledge. Her vocabulary for descriptions was the best I've encountered.   






Seguret region 


Domaine de Mourchon was  recommended by host Gregoire, & our favorite. The manager  Kate is British and we shared lively, laughter-filled conversation about politics, kids and more. 



The nose of this Syrah was extraordinary!  However, it left a vacuum in the mouth, the Grenache was smooth, but also lacking. Manager suggested that we blend and experienced perfection! She said the Syrah is like a skeleton and the Grenache fleshes it out.   
Bought a case.  The winery wisely shipped to Chicago in January and avoided today's tariffs. 

All in all we tasted at least 20 wines, although possibly 28 today! It was so hard to dump but we never completed a taste pour, even  Chateauneuf du Pape which are priciest.


Read about our first day of wine tasting https://www.grayhairedglobetrotter.com/2025/10/wine-tasting.html




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