Flight schedules allowed us to fit in one more visit on our way back to Marseille Airport.
Our destination was Château La Verrerie, a rather lovely winery in the Luberon AOC. We were hosted by their export manager, Vincent Pateux. Vincent took us on a wonderful walk into their vineyards which nestle in the beautiful Luberon national park. Surrounded by hills and forests, we were entranced by the passion, humour and energy of Vincent as he took us through the family history and philosophy of the estate.
The Luberon is the last AOC within the Rhône Valley before you hit Provence and it benefits from its proximity to the sea and Mediterranean climate. Similar to many other estates we have visited on the tour, La Verrerie are certified organic and produce a superb array of wines.
After the walk in the vineyard we took in the winery and barrel cellar before heading into the tasting room. The wines were a revelation. Utterly delicious whites made from Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier in various permutations, they were beautifully balanced with crisp acidity and great weight and length. Two contrasting – oaked and unoaked – rosés followed and a couple of reds rounded off the tasting.
A very pleasant picnic box lunch followed in their courtyard as we bathed in some glorious sunshine on our final day.
The Southern Rhône has delivered some excellent contrasting wines in some truly beautiful places.