Gastronomy
Côtes du Vivarais: discover the wines around Saint-Montan
Saint-Montan is part of the Côtes du Vivarais area. During a stay at the Mas, this appellation provides a starting point for looking for a local wine, or for requesting a visit to a producer in the sector.
The old vine in our courtyard, visible on the cover, belongs to the decor of the Mas. It is not a vineyard parcel from Domaine Gallety or from another producer cited here.
A name for the limestone plateaus
The Côtes du Vivarais have been recognized as AOC in 1999. The area covers the communes of Ardèche and Gard, around the gorges. The vineyards meet between the plateaus, oaks and scrubland; the road to lookouts crosses part of this landscape.
The reds and rosés are based in particular on Grenache and Syrah. The appellation also produces whites. Inter Rhône presents the appellation and its grape varieties; the INAO sheet refers to the official framework. The name is not enough to predict the taste of a bottle: the vintage and the work of the estate also count.
Areas to contact before the visit
The Domaine Gallety is located in Saint-Montan. Check their contact information to plan your visit rather than assuming a walk-in tasting.
On the side of Bourg-Saint-Andéol, the Domaine de Cousignac presents its wines and its hospitality options. Check the content of the visit and availability for your workforce.
Saint-Remèze also offers a stop on the plateau, to combine with the gorges or a cave visit. The cellars and their opening hours can be checked with the tourist office. A free or no-reservation tasting should not be assumed.
Choosing a bottle for dinner
The menu facilitates discussion with the producer: curd or grilled meats, potato cove, more or less matured goat's cheese. Indicate what you like to drink and the planned dish; you will get more precise advice than just asking for “the best wine”.
The markets around Saint-Montan and our article on Ardèche flavors complete the purchases. Keep lunch, cellar, and dinner preparation to realistic times; the person driving does not taste.
Les Hermessaines, on the other side of the Rhône
Domaine Les Hermessaines works in Drôme Provençale and produces a Côtes-du-Rhône. It's another name. The estate has already organized a tasting at the Mas: we tell this meeting in a dedicated article.
You can reserve one of our lodgings and keep only one outing dedicated to wine during the week. Our route from the Mas also leaves room for villages and days on site.
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