The Rhône wine region is divided into two sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. La Genestière is situated at the heart of the Southern Rhône. It is an area which wine critic Jancis Robinson refers to as ‘the region of France’s most user-friendly wines’. This southern sub-region produces an array of red, white and rosé wines, often blending several grapes. While in the Northern Rhone it is the syrah grape which dominates, in the Southern Rhone this gives way to the more fruity Grenache.
From La Genestière it is an easy drive to the villages producing the most distinguished Côte du Rhône wines. These are the crus wines which are allowed to be recognized by their village name (rather than after châteaux as is usual for Bordeaux wines). There are only 17 appellations designated ‘cru’ within the whole of the Northern and Southern Rhone regions. Six of these are within 20km of La Genestière: Cairanne, Rasteau, Vaqueyras, Gigondas, Beaume de Venise, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The wine-related opportunities are endless. You can taste wines in the numerous wine cellars, learn about wine-making, wander around the vineyards on foot or bike, learn about the history of wine by visiting the wine making museums, and celebrate wine throughout the year at the numerous local wine festival
Côte du Rhône reds tend to be high in alcohol content, and for that reason many consider they are best suited to drinking in colder climates. However for summer drinking, a chilled local rosé can be perfect. For example an AOC Ventoux rosé benefits from cooler conditions found at altitude, and can be a refreshing choice for immediate consumption.
You will find that many locals will buy their everyday wine from a vigneron ‘en vrac’ (draught). They simply take a two or five litre plastic jerry can to be filled at what resembles a petrol pump dispenser. Don’t think the wine will be of inferior quality. It simply cheaper as the cost of bottling has been avoided.
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