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RHONE VALLEY
TERROIRS
ELOÏSE NOSWORTHY, BRIGITTE, DOROTHEE AND SIMON HEADING OFF TO HARVEST
Amidst stunning scenery, the tranquil waters of the Rhone flow towards the South and
the Mediterranean Sea where extensive swathes of vineyards sit amidst garrigue,
lavender fields and olive groves. The bountiful, powerful river cuts through the entire Rhone
Valley, shaping both its character and its vineyard sites. The region’s reputation is fuelled
by top appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Crozes-Hermitage and it
has successfully overcome its image as a purveyor of easy-drinking, robust, crowd-pleasing,
entry-level wines. For many years now, this simplistic equation has been quashed by a
quantum leap in quality stemming from impeccable control over crop yields. The 17 Côtes du
Rhône growths now also showcase more under-the-radar appellations including Beaumesde-Venise,
Cairanne, Gigondas, Rasteau and Vinsobres, where we headed to meet some of
the winegrowers. The results lived up to our expectations, offering a wide variety of genuine,
elegant treasures which fully epitomise the quintessential qualities of their vineyard sites,
climate and remarkable craftsmanship.
BEAUMES-DE-VENISE
DOMAINE SAINT AMANT: A WINERY THAT
TAKES THE HIGH ROAD
At the foot of a mountain range where the picturesque Dentelles de Montmirail soar towards
the sky, Beaumes-de-Venise stands like an enclave in the heart of Provence. This lush oasis
is seemingly buoyed by its flowers, olive groves and vineyards that produce unique wines.
Founded by Jacques Wallut in 1995, the family-run Saint Amant winery is managed by a
dynamic mother-sister duo, namely Camille and Eloïse Nosworthy. Nestled amidst the
mountains, at 600 metres above sea level on the south-eastern slopes of mount Saint-
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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