Traditionally, one remembers the red Cotes du Rhone wines as rather ordinary, fullâ€"bodied wines which are best consumed with heavy and spicy foods. Nothing can be further from reality. The vineyards of the Rhone Valley â€" starting north of Vienne and reaching almost as far south as the Mediterranean Sea â€" are as diversified in soil as they are in cliâ€" matic regions.and, consequently, produce a wide range of wines, from the most complex and heavy reds, right through to some delicate rosé and even clean and fruity white wines. _ Well known are the wines from the Hermitage in the northern part, and anybody who has travelled the famous wine routes of southern France surely remembers the great bluffs overlooking the Rhone. To the south, the great Chateauneufâ€"duâ€" Pape needs very little introduction to those who relish the wines of France. It is here, just north Avignon and right outside the Chateauneufâ€"duâ€" Pape Region, that one finds the lessâ€" er known, but equally good wines which grow on and near the slopes of Mont Ventoux. Undoubtedly, the popularity of the Rhone wine is due not only to its romantic association with age and name, but also to its often outstanding quality. The wines from this area are usually well made and will improve with age for many years under the proper cellar condiâ€" tions. By the way, it is just across the river that the best French rosé wines are made. Art Works invites proposals It is a red wine that captured my attention recently as I rummaged through my cellar in search of a good red dinner wine that also could be drank on its own. Grown on the southern slopes of Mont Ventoux is today‘s selection of the La Vieille Ferme Rouge. Tasting this wine, one can easily detect that the grapes are grown in a mineralâ€"rich chalky soil which comes through with a delicate spicy taste on the palate. Solo exhibits and exhibitions for up to four artists may be scheduled for oneâ€"month displays. Group exhibiâ€" tions will be programmed for a twoâ€" month period. Exhibition proposal forms are available through the Oakville Arts Council office at §44â€"7257. Open Rhone bottle an hour before serving What I also found â€" and what is true with most red wines from this area â€" is that the bottle should be . Art Works, the Oakville Arts Council‘s exhibition program invites all individuals and groups to submit proposals for exhibitions at the Oakville Municipal building. Art Works aims to reflect the diversity of Oakville‘s arts community in its programming and is interested in contacting artists, craftspeople, memâ€" bers of arts and cultural groups, high school students and Sheridan College students. Art works will assist groups and individuals with handouts, inforâ€" mation panels and installation of works. Art Works also provides opportunities to exhibit and sell works; a 20% commission is reâ€" invested in the program. opened at least an hour or so before the wine is served. Opening a bottle permits the wine to breathe, letting some of the harsher flavors evapoâ€" rate while at the same time opening up the bouquet to bring out the full fruit and flowery taste in the wines. Most consumers will also find that by opening a good red wine ahead of time, the wine will taste more mature and mellow. > I also suggest that all red, and of course white, Rhone wines be DISPOSAL OF SETâ€"UP FREE OLD MAT uols AVAILABLE LAYAWAY CANANA!C| ARRECT PHANI NE EAMTADV NIDET served somewhat cooler than one would serve a Bordeaux for instance. If the red wines are cool enough when opened, I suggest that you pour them into a glass and let it open up for some time, if you can overcome your curiosity. The La Vieille Ferme Rouge is a classical Rhone wine that is kept in oak for 10 months and then bottled after filtering and fining for further aging. In color, I am reminded of deep red cherries, while on the nose the wine gives the fine aroma of ripe fruit and a slight spiciness which, no doubt, is due to the excelâ€" lent soil conditions of the area. To drink, I find this wine very The La Vieille Ferme Rouge is a regular listed AOC Cotesâ€"duâ€" > Ventox wine from the Rhone Valley % that can be found under CSPC S 263640 for about $8.15. wa im pleasant in body, not overly comâ€" plex as some others from the region â€" and best of all â€" it is not overly tannic in taste, which makes this wine not only a good red dinner wine, but also a wine which I find very agreeable to drink on its own.