I’m sure there are many of you wondering about Seguret…

In the Côtes du Rhône, there are three different levels of quality when it comes to labelling your wines Côtes du Rhône. There’s the basic Côtes du Rhône, then there is Côtes du Rhône Villages, then Côtes du Rhône with a Village name after it.

Close to both Gigondas, Rasteau and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Seguret is one of those villages. One would think that this level of quality would demand a high price. Not so. These wines from Domaine de L’Amauve offer wines in several different price ranges, but all of them superb in quality. The winemaker, Christian Voeux, is a highly qualified and well respected oenologist from the village of Seguret and has had his hand in making wine at many of the renowned estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I would describe him as genteel. He is very gracious, and recently asked my opinion on the labels of his wines, wondering if they were appropriate for this market and whether or not they would or would not make his wines sell! Seguret got to the Villages level in 1967, and Christian and his wife Monique, have been working tirelessly to bring Seguret up to the cru level of both Gigondas and CdP. And with such a high reputation in both the region and the industry, I’m sure Christian will see his dream fulfilled before too long!

The other wines that he makes, although they don’t fall into the Thirsty category, are just as amazing and I’d like to tell you about them also!

Vin de Pays de Vaucluse -light ruby in colour with a blend of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Syrah, it has some great red and black fruit notes with just a hint of pepper. A slight chill on this wine makes it even more pleasing! $19

Séguret Côtes du Rhône Blanc la Daurèle – oh my…one of the prettiest French whites I’ve ever had. Great acid structure from the Ugni Blanc, but roundness, creaminess and lightness from the Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Viognier. Lots of stone fruits and floral notes. C’est bon! $24

Séguret Côtes du Rhône Villages Laurances- a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, this wine is deep and delicious with aromas and flavours of blackcherries and plums with a spicy finish. $26  

Séguret Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Merrelies – For the headliner, the Les Merrilies is also a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, that Christian is allowing to ferment spontaneously and in temperature controlled small vats. We are certainly seeing more and more of this trend, as with Christian farming both organically and sustainably, it certainly makes sense. Great aromas of black fruit with pepper and sweet spices underneath. The tannins are silky and smooth and the wine is excellently balanced with high acidity and integrated alcohol. On the shelf for $31! Santé