From Dijon, we headed south to the larger city of Avignon along the banks of the Rhone River. A metropoliton mix of old and new.
The fort walls, still prominent, surround the city. We toured the bridge, climbed to the lookout, and then walked up the steep stairs to the the Palais des Papes. Another Unesco site and an astounishing piece of Medieval Gothic Architecture. We used the audio guide throughout the tour. Highly reccomend that to get the most out of this impressive structure. Perfect time to be touring, almost empty of people, no crowds.
The story behind the Pope's Palace (Palais des Papes) is interesting as in 1309 due to an unprising and unsettled politics in Rome, the Pope's residency was moved to Avignon. This remained the papal headquarters until 1377 when Rome once again became the city of choice.
The size and magnitude of the building of this papal palace that seems to go on and on with apartments and halls is impressive. 
The best part of the tour for me, the unexpected wine bar as you finished the tour and moved towards the gift shop and exit! This beautiful tasting room set in limestone with tall castle like walls was set up with a map of the Chateaunuef du Pape and surrounding viticulture areas that named all the predominant vineyards and wineries. With about 7000 acres of premiere vineyards and more than 150 wineries, it is a piece of provencal paradise with most all vineyards producing Grand Cru.
The sommelier at the bar was knowledgable and generous in answering my many queeries and generous in the pours too. For a 5euro tasting fee we wound our way through 6 of the top Chateauneuf vintages.
The sommelier at the bar was knowledgable and generous in answering my many queeries and generous in the pours too. For a 5euro tasting fee we wound our way through 6 of the top Chateauneuf vintages.
Big, well rounded and lush, all 6 we tasted varied their blend percentages of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mouverdre with great results. The Chateau de Beaucastel 2005 vintage (an amazing vintage year by the way for most all of France's wine regions) was my favourite. So lush and smooth, I did not let go of the glass after it emptied. Just walked around with it, to smell and recall as I wandered through the displays.
Smooth, but with tannins that would ride through to a long lingering finish.
You didn't need to drink much, the savouring bouquet was plenty enough.
Twas good, twas very very good.. dab it behind your ears and proudly wear it as perfume kind of good.
That wine left the shop with me in the form of 2 bottles purchased after our tasting. Both those bottles were consumed while on our tour and never saw the light of a Canadian day. They became part of our group tradition, the evening get-together and feast in the hotel lobby with European football on the tele in the background, platters of local cheese, cured meat and fresh bread and great conversations rehashing the days adventures.
Smooth, but with tannins that would ride through to a long lingering finish.
You didn't need to drink much, the savouring bouquet was plenty enough.
Twas good, twas very very good.. dab it behind your ears and proudly wear it as perfume kind of good.
That wine left the shop with me in the form of 2 bottles purchased after our tasting. Both those bottles were consumed while on our tour and never saw the light of a Canadian day. They became part of our group tradition, the evening get-together and feast in the hotel lobby with European football on the tele in the background, platters of local cheese, cured meat and fresh bread and great conversations rehashing the days adventures.
The opening and sharing of a bottle (or better yet 2 bottles) of good wine,
is the opening and sharing of 2 great gifts.
Friendship and Laughter.
I've come to know the best things in life should be enjoyed and savoured in the moment. Being stashed away in my small wine cellar at home seemed to sad a journey for this living, breathing, beautiful wine.
Carpe Diem.
is the opening and sharing of 2 great gifts.
Friendship and Laughter.
I've come to know the best things in life should be enjoyed and savoured in the moment. Being stashed away in my small wine cellar at home seemed to sad a journey for this living, breathing, beautiful wine.
Carpe Diem.
