LIRAC & TAVEL

The diversity of soils in this appellation (massifs limestone on which came to settle some red clay and gravel, quartz pebbles and red clay on a bed of sand) allow the flowering of a big palette of grape varieties. Fed on lands appropriated to their character, they are able to get the best of themselves and thus, give to wines of Lirac all their taste and personality. Black Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault are at the origin of red Lirac and to grow better, they have chosen to shoot on the clay plateaus of the appellation, composed by big rolled pebbles (Galets Roulés). The white grape varieties at the origin of white Lirac are remarkable for their extreme diversity : white Grenache, Bourboulenc and Claret, which often mingle white Ugni, Picpoul, Roussanne, Marsanne or even Viognier. Above all, they have left scrubland on the terroirs from were the vines get their delicacy and their aromatic complexity. Close to Lirac, we cannot forget Tavel : the only appellation which intentionally refused to produce red and white wines, loyal to their old principles : here rosé colour is not a fashion, it’s an original identity.

CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE

At the end of the 19th century, the vine growers decided by themselves to define and adopt severe constraints in terms of vine growing and wine production. Thanks to their exceptional terroirs and to these new rules applied now for decades, and which definitively contribute to the exceptional quality of Chateauneuf du Pape Wines, the reputation of this wine region increased dramatically and became an example and a reference for other Appellations (AOC : Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in France but for the rest of the world.

This Appellation covers 3 200 hectares, delimited in the 20’s into several sectors. The diversity of the soil is large, although the Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard is mostly known for its galets roulés, and for some sectors, sandy soil which gives elegance to the wines. Moreover, the climate is particularly adapted thanks to the sun shining during the whole year, and the windy conditions (the famous Mistral north wind of the Rhône valley). Adding the 13 authorized grape varieties particularly adapted to the soil and weather, all conditions are gathered to get matured and healthy grapes which fully express the specifities of these special terroirs. Among many other drastic constraints in production, the yields are to be very low (limited to 35 hl/ha), harvest are done manually (no machines) so that only the best and nicest grapes are selected.

The Chateauneuf du Pape red wines are reputed for the Grenache, “king” of this Appellation. But other grape varieties are assembled with the Grenache, especially the noble ones such as Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Result is full body, complete wines, with a nice structure, often giving redfruity and prune characters, married with savoury, spicy notes. Wines in mouth are generous and round, well balanced in fruit and tannins, offering a pleasant complexity. Complexity is increasing over time. Do not hesitate to keep these wines for years !

The white wines usually made out from ripen Clairette, white Grenache, Roussane, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. They are elegant and aromatic, often with floral and fruity notes. Very seductive, well balanced and crisp wines. Although Less known than the red wines, we consider them as remarkable and outstanding wines.

Scheduled Tour Includes:

Accommodation in *** hotel (3 nights) , double room with breakfast.
Meal midday and evening, wine included, except on breakfast day 3
Visit the Palace of Kings of Majorca and the Royal Castle of Collioure.

Harvest Tour Includes:
Accommodation in **** hotel (3 nights) , double room with breakfast.
Meals, wine incuded (3 glasses) except for Saturday’s dinner
Avignon’s guided visit, tasting and lunch included

Regular Tour

Two “terroirs” of “galets roulés” : one is the world famous Chateauneuf du Pape, and the other is Lirac.

Bridge of Gard (Pont du Gard), classified World Inheritance of Humanity by UNESCO

Dukedom of Uzès, undamaged medieval village ; see its colourful market and taste its regional products.
A charming *** hotel located right in the heart of the Tavel Lirac appellation.
Succulent gastronomy (3 dinners)

Harvest Tour

Discover one of the most prestigious wine region : Chateauneuf du Pape, its renowned red wines, but also its elegant white wines.

Live the amazing experience of the harvest in Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard

Accommodation in a XIXth century castle

A gastronomic diner in the castle

Remarkable spots and historic cities : Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon and Pope’s Palace (classified World Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO)

Avignon airport (Flights : Paris Orly, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Brest, Cherbourg, Limoges, Londres City,Southampton,

Nîmes Airport (flights : London, Liverpool, East Midlands, Brussels) Or Avignon Airport (flights : Paris Orly, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Brest, Cherbourg, Limoges, London City, Southampton …)

Nîmes and Avignon TGV train station To go to the hotel, take a taxi at the TGV train station or airport (about 30 - 45 min)

UZES
Uzes and the villages of Uzege are intimately linked to the past and the present. Uzes, first Dukedom-peerage of France, became famous during the Middle Ages through its Dukes who occupied the first rank after the princes of blood. Uzes is also a bishop's see from the 5th century until the revolution. Uzes and its imposing castle, the cathedral of Saint Theodorit and its downtown are classified safeguarded area under the impulse of Andre Malraux. Labyrinths of alleyways whose walls make us think to the history. Potteries, truffle, asparaguses, olives oil and tapenades are so many regional products which you shall find with the craftsmen and at the famous motley market every Saturday morning which spreads out almost the totality of historical centre.

PONT DU GARD
The aqueduct of Nimes, built between 40 and 60 after JC, under the empires of Claude and Neron, was an important building site which lasted about fifteen years. The only reason to be of this aqueduct, work of civil engineering, consisted in supporting a watercourse leading on 50 km the waters fountainhead the of Eure to the water tower (Castellum) of Nimes. From the top of its 49 metres, the Bridge of Gard is the major element of the aqueduct of Nimes. It is the highest aqueduct bridge of the Roman world, remarkably preserved and made up of three levels of arches: 6 on the first level, 11 on the second one and 47 on the third one. The bridge of Gard has been classified World Inheritance of Humanity by UNESCO.