Brett, The Wine Maestro

Last month we visited a couple of particular wine regions well to the south of Savoie, regions that are part of the southern French Alps. The first of these was Clairette de Die, where we made a bright start in Crest

Clairette de Die is one of France’s more geographically isolated wine districts, lying 48km east of (and a few hundred metres higher than) the main Rhône valley vineyard area. The landscape here is characterized by craggy outcrops of glacial rock formations, and high, steep Alpine cliffs. The river Drôme, a tributary of the Rhône is the spine of the region.

We started our few days’ visit in Crest, a town just the west of the region but in spirit very much part of Clairette de Die, in time for a look around before lunch. Unlike the toothpaste this town is pronounced cray.

Here a few memories of our visit to this little town. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

The tourist office building has the style of the south of France…

… as does the colourful produce in the market.

 This foxy lady was outside one of the old shops.

Some shops still welcome customers, others just a glimpse of their former glory.

Relaxing in the sun.

Time to amble through the narrow streets…

…enjoying the views of old houses and through alleyways.

Enjoying an apero.

 When we saw this bowler-hatted city gent arriving at the local bistro we realised it was time for lunch.

Soupe de fraises

Small, elegant dining room

Cocotte de poisson avec spaghetti a l’encre de seiche

 Lunch at La Part des Anges, owner-run with just 20 seats and a small but delicious menu. All the food is fait maison, cooked on the premises.

We couldn’t linger longer in Crest, time was pressing so we continued our journey into the Diois vineyards after our bright start in Crest.