Notre Dame des Pallières a Hidden Wine Gem in the Rhône Valley
Nestled among vineyards near the village of Gigondas sits Notre Dame des Pallières, a family-run winery specializing in the wines of the southern Rhône. It should be a stop for anyone who loves the robust, long-lived wines of this part of France.
Gigondas is sometimes described as the little brother of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the wines are similar, with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre dominating the reds. But while Châteauneuf-du-Pape is world famous—with prices to match—Gigondas provides delicious wines without all the fuss.
“As Satisfying as They Come”
Regarding Gigondas, Notre Dame des Pallières makes some of the best. At blind tastings among the village winemakers, their Gigondas consistently rank in the top ten out of hundreds of wines. The noted wine critic Jeb Dunnuck calls their wine “as satisfying as they come.” And yet, given their exceptional quality, their prices are very reasonable, making for some of the best-value wines.
That’s one of Pallières’ hallmarks: great wines at reasonable prices. And it’s not just their flagship wine, as the domaine offers a full range of reds, a white and a rosé. Care for a Sablet, a Lirac, a Rasteau? You’ll find them all here, as well as an excellent Côtes-du-Rhône.
Guide: Provence Wine Regions and Vineyards
Five Generations of Winemakers
Wines have been made in Gigondas for centuries, and Notre Dame des Pallières sits on a privileged site that receives excellent sunshine. Family patriarch Jules Roux planted the estate’s vines over a hundred years ago, and some are still producing. Since Jules’ time, the domaine has been passed down from generation to generation.
In recent years, long-time winemaker Claude Roux has turned over his duties to daughter Isabelle and son Julien, making them the fifth generation to lead the estate. They have invested in up-to-date equipment and built a friendly new tasting room. They are experimenting with new cuvées, like a limited production of Gigondas made from their oldest vines.
However, they haven’t changed the traditional winemaking methods passed down from their ancestors, and the results are delicious wines. Notre Dame des Pallières is a hidden gem of the southern Rhône and worth a visit.
Practical Information
Notre Dame des Pallières (website)
311 Route de Lencieux
84190 Gigondas
Email: contact@pallieres.com
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 65 83 03
Tasting room hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9-12 and 3-6 (summer)
Monday – Friday 9-12 and 3-5:30 (off-season)
Image Credits: All images courtesy of Notre Dame des Pallières and Keith Van Sickle
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