2011 southern Rhone en primeur

Tasting with Marie Giraud

If you are looking for a pretty and drinkable vintage of southern Rhone wines, then 2011 fits the bill. As John Livingstone-Learmonth says, it is not a grandiose vintage in the south, rather one for uncluttered fruit enjoyment, which is occasionally what wine is all about. In Chateauneuf 2011 is a mild vintage, not one of power. Harmonious is a good way to describe these. Robert Parker describes the wines thus: they are charming, fruit-forward, front end-loaded, soft, round wines. So what you are in for is early gratification with these gentle southern reds; no waiting necessary and the wines are food friendly.

The Grenache-based wines are approachable, and so is this year's barrel tasting. We're using the next two of our popular Friday slots to have a look at a cross-section of the wines - starting tomorrow with those southern reds. Barroche, Bouissiere, Clos Saint Jean, Pegau and Usseglio feature, as well as Domaine Giraud poured, from 1-2pm and again in the evening, by the estate's Marie Giraud. Next week, the north, where 2011 is hailed as the third great vintage in succession. Come and taste - these are your opportunities for an early look at some of the smartest buys in the world of fine wine. /CW

Tomorrow, Friday 1 March
2011 southern Rhone barrel sample tasting
12-7pm, Bishopsgate shop, walkaround
with Marie Giraud of Domaine Giraud
Free of charge

A week tomorrow, Friday 8 March
2011 northern Rhone barrel sample tasting
12-7pm, Bishopsgate shop, walkaround
Free of charge

View all 2011 Rhone en primeur wines