"At a very early age I discovered the pleasure of a nice bottle of wine, sometimes to be enjoyed with two people, but more often than not with a group of people over a meal. I have met many of my closest friends through wine, either studying for my diploma or at tasting classes.
For many years now, my husband and I have spent our holidays travelling around the wine regions of Europe. We bring our own bicycles on the plane, and hire a car. That way we are free to spend a day or two exploring any village that takes our fancy. Of all the regions we have visited, it is the Rhône valley that draws us back each time. It is a beautiful area, full of wonderful sites. I don't think any other region can match the diversity of wine, or the same value for money.
Going north from Avignon, it is easy to visit the well-known villages such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras. You will often see the magnificent slopes of Mount Ventoux in the background, the source of many really good quality, reasonably-priced Côtes du Rhône wines.
The one village that has it all is Cairanne. It produces truly magnificent wines at very fair prices. They combine the gorgeous spicy tones of the southern Rhône with a great intensity and balance. The grape varieties here are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. One favourite producer is Domaine Alary, and his best is the La Font D'Estevans. This is a beautiful wine, with great structure, typical warm spicy tones of the area, but with well balanced fruit and acidity.
Further up the river, and on the left bank, is the small appellation of Tavel. Here you will find the best of all rosés, wines with a great structure, and plenty of warming alcohol, too. If something lighter is called for, I adore a chilled glass of Clairette de Die, a delicious sparkling wine made from the Clairette and Muscat grapes.
If I was to treat myself (or if somebody else would like to treat me), the wines from the northern Rhône would be my first choice. These Syrah-based wines are big and robust, but when allowed to age properly, they are superb. I love Côte Rôtie and Cornas, but best of all is the legendary Hermitage La Chapelle. This is an expensive wine, but for the right occasion nothing comes close. You will also find my favourite white wine, Condrieu in the northern Rhône. This is the home of Viognier, and all other versions around the world pale in comparison."
Carainne Font d'Estevenas Domaine Alary 2005, €21. Stockists: McHughs, Kilbarrack and Artane; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; 64 Wine, Glasthule; The Vineyard, Galway; Vanilla Grape, Kenmare; Redmond's, Ranelagh.
Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2001/2002, approximately €90 for the current vintage. Stockists: Harvest, Galway; McHughs, Kilbarrack and Artane; Champers, Limerick; Bradys, Ardkeen, Waterford; The Corkscrew Dublin 2; Tesco Fine Wine.
Colette Peat and her husband Billy run the Bang & Olufsen shops in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. More recently, she helped set up the Eatery 120 restaurant in Ranelagh.