The Dentelles de Montmirail – a Land of Wonder
All you need to do is head east from the Rhône Valley and straight away you’ll see the landscape change. Nature begins to take on a Mediterranean feel, and iconic mountains stretch up into the sky. These are the magnificent limestone ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail, of course, with Mont Ventoux and the Luberon Massif visible in the distance. But this fortress of jagged peaks is also a land of vineyards – a land of discovery. Here are our top three wonders of the Dentelles region.
1. A land of striking contrasts
In this landscape, where at dusk the limestone crags are bathed in a warm glow, we are immersed in a world of striking contrasts. At the foot of sheer spurs, scree slopes tumble in a chaotic expanse of fractured rock, a thrill for any avid climber. Thorny bushes mingle with holm oaks and Aleppo pines; and in the midst of this wilderness lie vineyards, stretching endlessly into the distance. The Dentelles de Montmirail comprise a mosaic of different terroirs and are home to a variety of geological formations, the oldest of which date back at least 230 million years. But the Dentelles themselves, with their timeless elegance and majestic beauty, are our absolute favourite spot.
Our suggestion: To explore the heart of these mountains, follow the Biodiversity Trail created by Domaine de Longue Toque / Gabriel Meffre. This freely accessible 6.7 km route winds through the vineyards of the Gigondas appellation, offering breathtaking views of the Dentelles.
2. A mosaic of terroirs
These diverse terroirs with their exotic-sounding names is a considerable advantage for the local wines. Triassic soils are rich in minerals and enzymes, ideal for developing aroma and flavour; Jurassic marl is particularly suited to Syrah, while molasse is the perfect home for Muscat Petit Grain. The winegrowers make the most of this rich diversity, both of grape varieties and terroirs, while staying true to the famous appellations of Vin Doux Naturel Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet and Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret.
Our suggestion: To enjoy an extensive range of local wines, head to 228 Bar Ephémère Rhonéa in Beaumes-de-Venise on the first Thursday of every month, where artisan winemakers offer wines to taste from across all these top appellations, along with cocktails and food platters to share. Delicious, fun – and free!
3. Traditional charm
Take time out to follow the picturesque route from Beaumes-de-Venise to the tranquil village of Lafare, then on to Suzette, a village as charming as its name suggests. The views of the Dentelles and surrounding area are simply stunning! On your way back, be sure to stop off at La Roque Alric to admire the striking rocky spur around which the village grew up before returning to the iconic villages of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Séguret.
Our favourite places: We simply can’t choose between our top two, so we’re going to recommend them both!
- Maison Pierre Amadieu, with over 90 years of history in Gigondas, offer guided tours, hosted in partnership with La P’tite Vadrouille, which include visiting the village and tasting the Estate wines. A fascinating insight into local history and heritage!
- Domaine Aimé Arnoux in Vacqueyras and their Atelier Gourmand gourmet workshops, available throughout the summer, where you can enjoy a range of exquisite food/wine pairings. A truly mouth-watering experience!
