Saturday was a more leisurely day as we dedicated it to one estate – Domaine Grand Veneur.
Owned by the Jaume family, we visited here back in 2013 so it was a huge pleasure to be greeted once again by Christophe Jaume who hosted our visit with characteristic aplomb. We took a quick tour through the winery, but then headed out to the vineyards where Christophe gave us a masterclass in understanding the terroir; the soil, the impact of water stress; the influences on neighbouring Lirac and the cultural influences on that appellation have affected its approach to quality and so much more! Even the path that separates Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards from those of the ‘mere’ Côtes du Rhône appellation – no clear difference apart from an arbitrary ruling made in 1936. This was a riveting morning.
A new project for the estate is La Table d’Alain Jaume. An opportunity to taste nine different wines with a four course lunch was something I could not miss out on! A wonderful afternoon unfolded as we tucked into a salmon soufflé, slow cooked beef, Comte and St Nectaire cheese and Café Gourmande. Paired with an absolutely fabulous array of whites, rosé and reds from the estate. Christophe talked us through the wines and hosted our lunch. It was a fabulous experience and cemented the view that that Domaine Grand Veneur is unquestionably one of the region’s top estates.
The day was not over though. Our final night dinner beckoned and we headed out to Le26 restaurant in Avignon for tomato tatin, salmon fillet and a fruit crumble. Just enough to ensure no-one went to bed with the slightest hunger pang, and a very pleasant evening celebrating the places we had been, wines we had tasted, people we had met, and friends we had made.
Though we still had a final visit to look forward to the next day….