Domaine La Décelle Reserve Rouge, Valréas Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018/19

Whilst being a rich and wholesome Southern Rhone red, this has a freshness and vitality due in part to its location at a higher altitude than many of its neighbouring Rhone villages.  There’s lots of hedgerow fruits, vineyard herbs and a sweet spicy overtone here that will make this a happy partner with rich meat, pulses or vegetable dishes.

50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

Producer notes – production:  Sunny south and west facing vineyards on clay dominated soils are situated 320m above sea level and managed following the principles of reasoned agriculture. Refreshing alpine winds create cooler growing conditions and slower ripening relative to other Southern Rhône appellations. Equal proportions of Grenache Noir and Syrah are vinified using traditional rack and return method before ageing for six months in 2-3 year old, 450 litre barrels.

Valréas is famous for its truffles, its lavender and its historic Papal treasures, but Domaine La Décelle’s treasure lies in the clay-rich and sandy soils of its wind-swept vineyards. A little further north than Gigondas or Cairanne and slightly higher in altitude, La Décelle produces a Valréas that is naturally fresher in style.