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Easter with Château MontPlaisir: Enhance your table with our Vinsobres and Valréas wines

Spring is gently settling into our vineyards. The first buds are appearing and, with them, the desire to gather with family around a generous meal for the Easter holidays.

As winemakers, we know that choosing the right wine is just as crucial as cooking the lamb. Between the cool altitude of Vinsobres and the sunny terraces of Valréas, our Grenache and Syrah terroirs offer ideal aromatic profiles to complement the classic dishes of this festive occasion.

Here are our tips for successful food and wine pairings with our wines.

The King Pairing: Leg of Lamb and Expressions Cru Vinsobres

This is the quintessential Easter dish. Lamb, with its tender yet flavorful meat and Provençal herbs, demands a wine that can stand up to the dish without overpowering the delicate flavor of the meat.

Our choice: Expressions Cru Vinsobres

Why? The Vinsobres terroir is at altitude, which brings a characteristic freshness that balances the sunny power of the south.

The pairing: The Syrah from our Vinsobres brings spicy notes of pepper and violets, which complement the rosemary, while the Grenache offers a silky tannic structure that cuts through the richness of the lamb. It's a marriage of elegance and character.

The Gourmet Alternative: Stew or Grilled Meats and Old Grenache Wines from Valréas

If you opt for more "bistro" cuisine, such as a delicious Provençal stew, or lamb chops simply grilled, you will be looking for a rounder wine, focused on immediate fruit.

Our choice: Côtes du Rhône Villages Vieilles Grenaches. Our vines in Valréas benefit from generous sunshine combined with the cool nights of the Enclave des Papes.

The pairing: Here, the Grenache bursts with ripe red and black fruits – raspberries, cherries, morello cherries, blackcurrants. It's a wine of pure pleasure, full-bodied and soft textured, which will envelop the sauce of the stew or the grilled meat with a lovely roundness on the palate.

And Chocolate? The Audacity of Reds

Easter is also about chocolate. While pairing red wine and chocolate is often risky, it is possible with our Southern Rhône wines, on one condition: choose a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% and more).

The bitterness of the cocoa balances the tannins in the wine, while the sweetness remains moderate. Try finishing your glass of Vinsobres with a square of intense dark chocolate: the wine's notes of dark fruit and spice will pair surprisingly well with the richness of the cocoa.

For an aperitif, it's ideal to choose a light, fruity, and refreshing wine. Here are a few suggestions that will pair perfectly with your appetizers:

A rosé from Valréas – especially one made from Grenache grapes, with aromas of red fruit and a pleasant acidity – will add a touch of freshness to your aperitifs. It pairs well with tapas, charcuterie, or light salads.

A Vinsobres Blanc – Contrée Blanche or Eclats, made from Grenache Blanc or Viognier, can also be a wise choice. Their floral and fruity notes, along with their lively character, make them an excellent accompaniment to dishes such as seafood, avocado toast, or fresh cheeses.

Happy Easter everyone, drink responsibly and enjoy these precious moments of being together!

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A picnic at Château MontPlaisir is a nature and gourmet interlude.

In the heart of the vineyard, our Picnic Basket celebrates authenticity and true taste. Designed around fresh, local and seasonal products, it reflects our commitment to responsible gastronomy and a living terroir.

A 100% Fresh and Local Selection

Each basket is prepared on the same day with ingredients sourced from local producers and partners and processed by us:

• Farmhouse goat cheeses from the Drôme region

• Artisan bread from the local bakery

• Our homemade terrine, traditional or vegan

• Local charcuterie

• Fresh salad of crunchy vegetables

• Seasonal fruits

• Sweet and light homemade dessert

• 2 small bottles of water

The selection changes with the seasons: heirloom tomatoes in summer, roasted squash in autumn, strawberries in spring… Each visit becomes unique.

The Natural Pairing with Our Wines

A bottle of wine from the estate can be selected to perfectly complement this gourmet moment. A crisp, mineral white to enhance the fresh produce, a delicate rosé for a summery feel, or a rich red to reveal the more intense flavors.

An Ideal Experience to Share

The picnic basket fits in perfectly:

• After a visit to our winery and tasting

• To celebrate a special occasion

• As part of a wine tourism stay

• At a private or professional event

We have set up shaded picnic areas with panoramic views of the Ardèche mountains and the hills around Grignan up to Montélimar and the Rhone valley.

A carefully designed setting can be offered: linen tablecloth, stemmed glasses, reserved shaded area, elegant country atmosphere.

A Responsible Commitment

Choosing fresh, local, and seasonal products means supporting local producers, reducing your carbon footprint, and valuing authentic expertise. It also guarantees genuine flavors and impeccable quality.

Information & Reservations

• Available from April to October

• Reservations required (24 hours in advance) https://chateaumontplaisir.ellohaweb.com/

• Classic, vegetarian and vegan options

The estate's picnic basket is an invitation to slow down, savor, and share. A simple, genuine, and delicious moment, close to nature and the local produce.

 

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