In our spotlight series, we explore a new city monthly, diving into drinking trends, where to go for great wines, and unique products or services linked to the region. Keeping our finger on the pulse when it comes to the wider world of wine is critical for us, helping us identify areas of opportunity for our clients, our eventing arm โWrappedโ, and for our online product offering on Uncorked. Whether curious about the habits and happenings of a city, or looking for wine-centric areas to visit in the area, our โspotlight onโ series is for you.
This month we turn to Rhรดne, northern Rhรดne to be precise. Following Dariaโs recent trip to visit the winery and vineyards of the legendary Chapoutier, and our recent Rhรดne Valley feature, highlighting the often overlooked importance of the region in a forward-looking investment portfolio, it is time to take a peek into the fascinatingly beautiful regional capital city: Lyon โ a city with overwhelmingly immense history, character, charm, and of course plenty of wine.
OVERALL TRENDS
- Proud representation of local Rhodanien wine, as well as Burgundy and Beaujolais.
- A vast appreciation of genuine quality natural, organic, and biodynamic wines.
- Synthesising wine and food offerings.
- A balancing act of tradition and innovation.
LEGITIMATELY LYONNAISE
Le Merciรจre
With strong ties to Beaujolais and Burgundy, there are plenty of restaurants and bars which nurture these ties โ but Le Merciรจre is strictly focused on the tradition and culinary heritage of Lyon, featuring techniques and recipes familiar to locals, and which have been passed down the ages. Of course, with such a rich connection to the local wine, it is perhaps unsurprising that many of the dishes are crafted in parity with the wines they are no doubt eaten alongside, and vice versa. We find an almost symbiotic relationship between wine and food, with both developing alongside one another, in complete harmony. This is the penchant of Le Merciรจre, which translates to the merchant, a reference to the vast lanes of boutiques historically located there, from haberdashers, to bookbinders, cobblers, and printmakers. That very same artisanal spirit imbues everything Le Merciรจre do, whilst honouring the humble workers of these streets: with authentic food and very generous prices considering the quality and Michelin status. Pan-fried beef tripe, scallops, veal blanquette, and plenty of my favourite cheese: Saint-Fรฉlicien.
As for the wines, there is, as any French city would be incomplete with-out, Beaujolais and Burgundian offerings, from well-known Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair to the lesser-known Domaine Roulot, a decent selection of Bordeaux including a personal favourite, Chรขteau Palmer, as well as the indispensable Pรฉtrus, Haut-Brion, and Cos dโEstournel; thereโs even a couple Californian wines here and there; but, of course, focal-point is Rhรดne and the Lyonnaise environs. Stรฉphane Ogier by-the-glass, Famille Perrinโs Beaucastelโs, Chรขteau Simianโs wickedly affordable Chรขteauneuf-du-Papeโs, and, maybe most excitingly, a whole quarter page dedicated to Guigalโs legendary La-La wines, across multiple vintages! (I know what the CB Wine team would orderโฆ)
BAR HOPPING
Lโรme Sลur
Location: 209 Rue Duguesclin, 69003 Lyon, France
Vibe: Quaint, light-hearted, creative.
Known for: Michelin, Rhรดne Wine List of the Year 2024, named after Ogierโs famous cuvรฉe.
La Cave Cafรฉ Terroir
Location: 05 Rue Montcharmont, 69002 Lyon.
Vibe: Mysterious, moody, unqiue.
Known for: Wine-fanaticโs dream, huge selection focused on appreciating the depths of wine.
Autour d’un verre
Location: 24a Av. de la Gare, 43120 Monistrol-sur-Loire.
Vibe: Fun, trendy, unpretentious.
Known for: Translates to โAround a glassโ, self-service, fun.
Odessa Comptoir
Location: 14 Rue Renรฉ Leynaud, 69001 Lyon.
Vibe: Down-to-earth, educational, social.
Known for: Natural wines only, but high quality selections from small local producers.
An Alchemical Adventure
Les Assembleurs
Where Le Mercier honours, tradition, this next feature is, shall we say, avant-gardeโฆ Les Assembleurs, is primarily a mix-your-own-wine-blend bar โ yes, you heard right!
Entering into the sleekly brick-worked and wood-panelled area, a battalion of brass taps stand to attention, and, from which 20 single-varietal wines, all from the local area, and all representing unique flavour profiles, are ready to be drunk on demand, alone, or blended. Tropical Vermentino, Orchardesque Chardonnays, and citrusy Sauvignons are amongst the whites; violet Syrahs, plummy Merlots, and bacciferous Mourvรจdres are amongst the reds; and thereโs even a crรฉmant and a rose on tap, all waiting to meld into a distinctly wild medley.
Of course, one can simply sit back and enjoy a flight of different wines on their own, and there is no doubt that there exists a degree of risk when mixing a crรฉmant and a pinot noir, but that is certainly part of the appeal, and it is safe to say you will drink some marvellous concoctions which hardly anyone else has.
