Chêne Bleu is a renowned wine producer located in the heart of the Provence region in France. The estate is situated on a hilltop, overlooking the picturesque Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range. The history of Chêne Bleu dates back to the 11th century when the estate was owned by the Knights Templar. The current owners, Xavier and Nicole Rolet, purchased the property in 1994 and have since transformed it into a world-class winery.

Chêne Bleu is known for its exceptional red, white, and rosé wines, which are made using traditional winemaking techniques. The estate's vineyards are planted with a variety of grape varietals, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before being fermented in small batches. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for up to 24 months, resulting in complex and elegant wines.

One of the unique features of Chêne Bleu is its commitment to biodynamic farming practices. The estate is certified biodynamic by Demeter, which means that the vineyards are managed in harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth. This approach to winemaking results in wines that are not only delicious but also reflect the terroir of the region.

Chêne Bleu produces several different wines, each with its own distinct style. The estate's flagship wine is Abelard, a red blend that is named after the famous medieval philosopher. Abelard is a complex and full-bodied wine that is made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months, resulting in a wine that is rich and full of flavor.

Another standout wine from Chêne Bleu is Aliot, a white blend that is made from Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc grapes. Aliot is a crisp and refreshing wine that is perfect for warm summer days. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, which gives it a subtle hint of oak and a creamy texture.

Chêne Bleu also produces a rosé wine called Astralabe, which is made from Grenache and Syrah grapes. Astralabe is a light and fruity wine that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserves its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Overall, Chêne Bleu is a world-class winery that produces exceptional wines using traditional winemaking techniques and biodynamic farming practices. The estate's commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a reputation as one of the top wineries in the Provence region of France.

Der er blevet produceret vin i Rhônedalen i over 500 år, og nogle af vinmarkerne er blandt de ældste i Frankrig. Syrah hersker over den sydlige del med en blanding af middelhavsdruer, mens de to stjerner i nord er Hermitage - dyrket på en imponerende granitbakke over byen Tain og bedst gemt væk bagerst i kælderen i et årti - og Côte-Rôtie, en stjerneappellation, der blev berømt af Guigals enkeltmarksvine, men som også er hjemsted for snesevis af fine producenter, der endnu er mindre kendte. De stejle bjergskråninger med udsigt over floden skal terrasseres for at gøre produktionen mulig.

Joseph og Cornas leverer også vine med vægt og værdi, men den bedste kilde til god værdi er Crozes-Hermitage, en satellit-appellation, som er kommet til live i de sidste par år med tilgangen af ungt blod.

Floddalen udvider sig syd for Valence til Côtes du Rhône-land på de blæsende alluviale sletter og de lavere skråninger af bakkerne. Det er et meget imponerende syn under den kolde, klare, blå himmel under Mistral-forhold. De bedste vinlandsbyer i Côtes du Rhône har fået deres egne appellationer - Vinsobres, Vacqueyras - som kvalitetsmæssigt ligger tæt på den mere kendte Gigondas.

Kongen af det sydlige Rhône er Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Her danner galets roulés, afrundede klipper fra det gamle flodleje, rammen om vidunderligt rige rødvine, der dufter af sydens varme og urter, og som forstærkes af den kompleksitet, der kommer af at blande flere druesorter. Tretten er tilladt i alt, men Grenache dominerer normalt sammen med Syrah og Mourvèdre som støtte. En god årgang har brug for otte til 10 års lagring for at opnå det bedste resultat.

Hvis du er til fyldigere, rigere, relativt eksotiske hvidvine, så passer en hvid Hermitage eller Châteauneuf-du-Pape fra Rhône-dalen måske bedre, eller også en vidunderligt parfumeret, berusende Condrieu - Viognier-druens hovedsæde.