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Vinsobres is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for red wines produced around the commune of the same name. Located on the right bank of the Eygues, a tributary of the Rhône, Vinsobres was originally a Côte-du-Rhône “village” appellation until 2006, when it became a communal appellation.
The Vinsobres AOC has inherited an ancient winegrowing tradition
In this part of southern France, vine-growing was introduced in ancient times by Greek colonists who settled on the Mediterranean coast. It was later perpetuated by the Romans after the conquest of Gaul. The Roman legions garrisoning Vaison-la-Romaine took their rest in Vinsobrium, the former name of the commune of Vinsobres, and enjoyed the wine produced in the surrounding area.
Although Vinsobres’ vineyards are ancient, they were underdeveloped for a long time. We prefer the great Rhône Valley appellations such as Châteauneuf du Pape or Hermitage. Olive growing is also more profitable. It was after the winter of 1956, when frost destroyed all the region’s olive groves, that farmers decided en masse to switch to a less sensitive production option. The Vinsobres vineyard underwent rapid expansion.
Vinsobres is a typical Rhône Valley vineyard
Vinsobres is a vineyard in the southeastern Rhône Valley. Situated on the slopes of the single commune of Vinsobres in the Drôme, the vineyard is influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It is marked by three aspects: the force of the Mistral wind sweeping through the vineyards, seasonal and violent rainfall episodes, and a sharp rise in summer temperatures.
The 1800 hectares of the Vinsobres appellation are located in this climate. On hillsides, most of them south-east-facing, vineyards alternate with Provence’s ancestral crops of olives, truffles and lavender, creating a landscape of beauty much appreciated by tourists to the region.
The soil is a mixture of limestone and clay, marl, sandstone and rolled pebbles, with a distinctive red to brown color. To resist the force of the Mistral, the vines plunge their roots deep into the soil. These roots warm up easily in contact with the stony soil.
Vinsobres wines are balanced and rich in fruit.
Vinsobres appellation wines are made from a blend of at least two grape varieties. They must be composed of at least 50% Grenache to which Syrah or Mourvèdre is added in a proportion of 25% or more.
This blend produces wines with a deep garnet-red color. On the nose, they reveal rich, varied aromas that evolve with age. When young, they give off a fragrance of fresh red fruit. But with age, nuances of stewed fruit, leather, kirsch and spices are added. When aged in barrels, a few smoky, toasty or vanilla notes complete the bouquet of these wines. Vinsobres offer a balanced, supple and round palate thanks to silky tannins. The long-lasting finish is marked by ripe fruit aromas.
Wait one or two years before tasting a Vinsobres to allow it to develop fully. More generally, the tannic structure of these wines gives them good ageing potential of between one and five years.
Vinsobres is a table wine
A concentrated, powerful and spicy southern wine, Vinsobres is the perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes such as leg of lamb with garlic, Provencal stew or rabbit stew. More generally, it’s best enjoyed at the table, at a temperature between 16 and 17°C, with meat cooked in sauce, roasted or grilled. But it also goes well with spicy and more exotic dishes. And always in moderation, because, as the Bishop of Vaison-la-Romaine once said, “Vinsobres or sobre vin, take it soberly!
Vinsobres, great recent vintages
Vinsobres enjoyed exceptional vintages in 2009 and 2015. 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 are classified as Grand Vintages.
Visionary and innovative AOC Vinsobres winemakers
The Perrin family
Winegrowers for five generations, the Perrin family owns 60 hectares in a single block spread over terraces and hillsides rising to an average altitude of 300 meters within the Vinsobres AOC. The estate is particularly marked by the work of Jacques Perrin, who ran it until 1978. He was one of the first to develop organic farming and biodynamics, starting in the mid-1970s. Rich in age-old know-how, the wines produced by the Perrin family are a guarantee of the quality and taste characteristic of the Vinsobres terroir.
Domaine de Gramenon
Founded in 1978, Domaine de Gramenon covers 26 hectares, mainly in the commune of Montbrison-sur-Lez, north of Vinsobres. Set in the foothills of the Pre-Alps, at an average altitude of 350 meters, the vineyards of Domaine de Gramenon produce red and white wines under various appellations characteristic of the Côtes-du-Rhône, including Vinsobres. Numerous plots of old vines, from 50 to 120 years old, give the estate’s wines a richness and originality. Advocates of biodynamic viticulture, the owners of Domaine de Gramenon are also committed to respectful cellar practices. No use of crushing equipment, reduced use of sulfites, and aging of wines in vats and old barrels are the practices of these winegrowers who are attached to the terroirs and the vines.
Discover the best winegrowers of Vinsobres.
