A (very) warm ‘bonjour’ at the start of a summer that has left those on either side of La Manche in equal need of a chilled glass of something crisp and light!
But, as they say in these parts, if you can’t stand the heat, head for the vineyards! And after spending so much time in Burgundy earlier this year, it has been a real pleasure to return to another part of France that has become almost a second home over the past forty years.
Travelling to the Southern Rhône was rather more adventurous than expected. An eight-hour train journey from Bordeaux to Avignon became even longer as the blistering summer heat caused delays and cancellations — the railway tracks themselves were struggling with the temperatures. Fortunately, once we arrived, the slow pace of life became instantly agreeable.
One of the great pleasures of travelling through France is that every region has its own character. Burgundy is measured and contemplative; the Southern Rhône is generous, sun-drenched and wonderfully convivial.
Our visit began with brunch beneath the ancient oak trees at Château Mazane in Vacqueyras, where the shade was every bit as welcome as the excellent food and wine.
Later that day Patricia and I were invited to enjoy one of those wonderfully authentic French traditions that tourists rarely encounter.
A close friend of the Jaume family had gathered everyone together to cook Saucisson de Toulouse over a barbecue fuelled by old uprooted vine stocks. Rather than being discarded, the ancient vines are given one final purpose, their slow-burning wood imparting a wonderful aroma to the food. It was simple, generous and entirely in keeping with the spirit of the region.
Alain Jaume himself then became our personal guide (Cicerone) as we wandered through the beautiful villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Few people know these vineyards better. Standing among the vines, he explained how the landscape itself shapes the wines. The vineyards are carpeted with large rounded pebbles that absorb the Provençal sunshine throughout the day before gently releasing the warmth back into the vines during the cool evenings. The vines are pruned low to take full advantage of this natural store of heat, helping the grapes ripen slowly and evenly.
It is one of those wonderfully simple miracles of nature that reminds you why great wines can never truly be manufactured.
That evening the whole village came together for a celebration that seemed to capture everything I love about the Rhône. Long tables filled the square, local musicians played into the night, food appeared from every direction and, of course, the wines flowed generously. There was laughter everywhere and the unmistakable feeling that these traditions have remained largely unchanged for generations.
Having known the Jaume family for more than forty years, I was touched that we were welcomed as honoured guests. Perhaps the most moving moment came when ninety-four-year-old "Granny Jaume" was introduced to everyone. Watching four generations of the same family gathered together around the wines they have made for decades was a reminder that behind every bottle there is a family story that stretches back far beyond any vintage.
These are not wines created by marketing departments. They are the work of families whose lives have been rooted in the same vineyards for generations.
The Jaume family has once again produced a superb range of wines, and I am delighted to be able to offer a selection directly from their Domaines. For Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge there are three different Cuvées, Tradition @£28.95, ‘Les Origines’ @£35.00 ex vat and ‘Vieilles Vignes’ @£59.50 ex vat , together with the wonderfully elegant Blancs Cuvées, Tradition @£28.95 ex vat and ‘La Fontaine’ @£35.50 ex vat . The Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc represents only around ten per cent of the Domaine's production, making it a real treat whenever it is available.
Their Clos Sixte Rouge from the small village of Lirac continues to offer exceptional value @£18.95 ex vat , while the Château Mazane Vacqueyras Rouge and Blanc @£19.95 ex vat beautifully express the character of this remarkable village.
For everyday enjoyment during these warm summer months, their Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Rouge, Blanc @£12.95 ex vat and Rosé @£13.50 ex vat are simply delicious wines and represent outstanding value!
There is also a ‘hidden gem’ their 100% Viognier @£16.95 +vat is rich and full with a bouquet of summer flowers and tastes like a wine from Condrieu!
As always, quantities are limited, and I would be delighted to reserve cases for you while stocks remain available.
With best wishes and looking forward to hearing from you.
John Jacobs