Thanks for contacting us. We have tasted the Valreas. Here are the tasting notes:

This Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes du Rhône Villages, a French red Rhône, is a blend of grenache and syrah. Robert Parker, in Wines of the Rhone Valley and Provence, states that the village from which this wine is made is “the top private domaine of Valréas, among the most elegant of the Côtes du Rhône Villages wines.” Only 16 villages of this appellation are allowed to feature the village name on the label.

We chose this wine tonight to accompany grilled steak and salad for our dinner tonight. It will turn out to be a good choice because I believe it will hold its own and complement the steak nicely. It isn’t the least bit fruity, but rather it is spicy and dry. The nose is delicate, but the taste is rather audacious and a bit astringent. This is a wine for those that want a change from new-world, fruit-forward style wines. Drink this wine when you are relaxing and have time to sip and savor. I would suggest letting this one breathe for 15 minutes or so before serving.

Ricky, we are not white wine drinkers so we cannot help you on your other questions about Chardonnay. However, it is likely that one of our readers will be able to help you. Keep checking this site for their suggestions. Good luck with the wedding! When is the big day?

I wanted to ask you about Valreas Cotes du Rhone at about $6. We’re thinking about having it for a wedding red wine. Also, we’d like recommendations for a white French chardonnay. Have you tried the Val St. Jean chardonnay 2007 vin de pays d’Herault from Port City Imports at about $6.15?

Thanks,

Ricky