the Domaine de Challias retains its title

This is the main lesson of the evening: the local winegrowers of Côtes-du-Rhône are united. Thursday November 21, from 7 p.m., the first bottles were uncorked, the first glasses of wine served and taken in hand, in an early festive atmosphere, at the multicultural room in Bagnols/Cèze, instead of Place Auguste- Mallet, weather obliges. For this 31st edition of the Balade des Primeurs, the organizers were smart and organized a tasting evening, with DJ “Baba Music” on the decks. 22 early wines were scattered across the stands. White, rosé, red, fresh, fruity, dry: there was something for all tastes and palates. Glasses of Côte du Rhône were sold, as well as bottles of Côtes-du-Rhône Primeur.

22 local winegrowers brought together

Jean-François Chabert, one of the 22 winegrowers, president of the Cave des 4 chemins in Laudun, presented his different wines to the public with pleasure: “The objective of this evening is to introduce the new vintage to people from Bagnoles and locals. Wine is about sharing and conviviality. I offer the early wine and I also offer a white from Barronet de Sabran and a rosé.” While addressing a word full of kindness towards his colleagues: “It’s extremely nice to see each other again. This shows that the profession is united,” expressed the winegrower, who manages a team of ten employees and works with 100 cooperators.

“Our only duty is to show solidarity with the wine world”

Around 8:20 p.m., Pierre Pappalardo, the communications manager for the Côtes-Du-Rhône Rive Droite association, took the microphone to announce the winner of the best Côte-du-Rhône. Before that, Maxime Couston, first deputy mayor, wanted to tip his hat to the wine profession: “Our only duty is to show solidarity with the wine world. Bagnols is proud to be your partner. The product we are tasting is promising”. The president of the Côtes du Rhône Rive Droite association wanted to thank all the winegrowers present.

The Primeur wine from Domaine de Challias conquered the jury’s palate

After the speeches, laurels were placed on one of the heads among the six nominees. After a disputed tasting between the six members of the jury, it was the Challias estate which won first prize. Another achievement for the Cornillon winery, as it won the trophy for a second consecutive edition. “I really didn’t expect it”reacted still surprised, Emmanuel Challias, after receiving this prize. The podium is completed by the SCA Cellier des Chartreux de Pujaut and Domaine de la Catherinette located in Laval-Saint-Romain.

A tasting weekend will follow on November 23 and 24, with the added bonus of cellar visits and activities, to allow visitors to travel the Gard department in search of the best beverages in the region. Through the exhibition of Côtes-du-Rhône primeur, the wine world is gradually regaining color.

The wineries participating in the Primeurs 2024 evening: 1) La Maison Sinnae (Laudun-Chusclan) 2) Château Marjolet (Gaujac) 3) Château St-Nabor (Cornillon) 4) Domaine Belle Feuille (Vénéjan) 5) Domaine Castel Oualou (Roquemaure ) 6) Domaine Clavel (Saint-Gervais) 7) Domaine de Challias 8) Domaine de la Catherinette (Laval-Saint-Romain) 9) Domaine de Lindas (Bagnols/Cèze) 10) Domaine Tour Paradis (Aiguèze) 11) Domaine Ventajol (Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson) 12) Château de Manissy (Tavel) 13) Domaine des Romarins (Domazan) 14) Château Correnson (St-Géniès-de-Comolas) 15) Domaine de l'innexpectu Sarl Roche (Pont-Saint-Esprit) 16) Vignerons des 4 chemins 17) Domaine des Carabiniers (Roquemaure) 18) Cellier des Chartreux (Pujaut) 19) Domaine Gilphine (Theziers) 20) SAS Tresavin (Tresques) 21) The winegrowers of Saint-Gely (Cornillon) 22) Domaine Pelaquié (Saint-Victor-la-Coste)