WINE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: VINSOBRES AOC
Vinsobres AOC (image courtesy of Inter-Rhône)
As wine lovers, it is always a quest to find new and exciting wines.
The more you learn about wine, the more you realize that it is a vast landscape out there, that there is a dazzling kaleidoscope of options available in the world of wine....and consequently, the more you want to branch out and try new things and learn even more.
For some, the next level of wine enthusiasm involves collecting rare and expensive bottles. This is a fun pastime no doubt, but perhaps limiting depending on your disposable income and how enthusiastic you are about waiting forever to drink the expensive wines that you buy.
In contrast, for many people, as they become increasingly knowledgeable, the next quest and exciting goal tends to be finding value for money i.e. the under appreciated hidden gems of the wine world. Here too, there are options abound for the intrepid and thirsty wine explorer!
If this describes you, we are here to help you with that quest. We hope you know you can always turn to Wineitupanotch for insight and advice in this regard!
Ok and with that, let's take a look at an appellation that often flies under the radar and can be a source of excellent value for money wines, namely Vinsobres AOC. In this article, we will explore the wines that are produced in Vinsobres, the unique characteristics that set Vinsobres apart from other appellations, and why it deserves a prime spot in your wine collection.
Overview
Let's start with the basics.
Vinsobres is an appellation d'origine controllée (AOC) in France. It is located in the Southern Rhone Valley in southeastern France and covers approximately 530 hectares of hillsides.
This is an appellation that produces only red wines. In 2020, 16,219 hectolitres of wine were produced in Vinsobres of which only 38% was exported to markets outside of France, according to Inter-Rhône, the regional professional body for AOC wines.
Vinsobres was granted AOC status in 2006, making it one of the newer AOCs in the Rhône Valley.
Where Exactly is Vinsobres AOC?
Vinsobres is located in the Drôme department, at the northern end of the Southern Rhone Valley.
Situated between Mont Ventoux on one side and the Pre-Alps on the other, Vinsobres is actually pretty close to the southern tip of the Northern Rhone Valley (NOTE: This is relative - there is actually approx. 50kms between the Northern and Southern Rhone Valleys). It is located on the massif that rises on the northern bank of the Aigues River. By the way, Vinsobres is the name of an actual town here!
The Wines of Vinsobres
As noted above, Vinsobres produces red wines exclusively.
These wines are normally crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre and are a testament to the art of blending. Winemakers here skillfully combine the bold fruitiness of Grenache, the complexity of Syrah, and the depth of Mourvèdre to create a balanced, structured and characterful wine. The combination of these varietals gives birth to deeply coloured wines with a rich, robust character, marked by deep fruit flavors, elegant spice notes, and a noteworthy acidity due to the terroir and climate.
The wines of Vinsobres are recognized as being capable of aging, typically 5-10 years.
Important AOC Requirements That Define the Wines from Vinsobres
Grapes and Blends: To qualify for the Vinsobres AOC, wines must adhere to specific grape varieties and blending ratios. Grenache is the dominant grape in this commune (accounting for 70% of plantings) and must constitute at least 50% of the final blend, while Syrah and Mourvèdre are usually used to complement the Grenache and elevate the final wine.
While Grenache is the main variety here and the "complementary" varieties as defined in the AOC regulations are Syrah and Mourvedre, the AOC rules also permit a lengthy list of "accessory" varietals to be included in the blend, as follows:
Bouboulenc, Brun Argenté, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Grenache blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Muscardin, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Noir, Rousanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, Viogner
*NOTE: The use of accessory varieties is generally limited, however there is growing interest in exploiting some of these varieties, for example Carignan and Cinsault.*
The Climate and Terroir of Vinsobres
In many ways, Vinsobres has a unique terroir, influenced by the appellation's elevated vineyards which are located on terraces between 200 and 450 meters above sea level. The average altitude of Vinsobres' vineyards is 300 metres above sea level.
This altitude imparts a distinct freshness to the wines, balancing the intense fruitiness with a crisp acidity that lingers on the palate. At the same time, the vineyards are located in an amphitheatre of sorts, which results in good sunlight and warmth during the growing season, the result of which is good phenolic ripeness of the grapes. The local Mistral and Pontias winds bring cooler air at night, which alongside altitude, helps to lengthen the growing season and retain acidity in the grapes.
While this might be a bit technical and/or nerdy for most readers, some may find it interesting to know that there are four soil types and terroirs in Vinsobres. These are referred to locally as Les Collines, Le Plateau, Le Coteau, and Première Terrasse. According to Inter-Rhône, between 10 and 50 metres above the bed of the Aygues river, the terroir consists of moderately steep slopes and ledges with alluvial soils. From 230-250 metres above sea level, the slopes are made up of marls and sandy marls and covered by conglomerates which are very rich in coarse particles. On the peaks to the north east of the commune, there are very high and rocky plateaus that have marl soils containing varying levels of conglomerates. This means that the wines from these various areas will likely exhibit notably differing characteristics.
Terroirs of Vinsobres AOC (image courtesy of Inter-Rhône)
What Makes Vinsobres Unique?
What sets Vinsobres apart is that it is the only “cru” this far north in the Southern Rhône Valley. In this way, it is uniquely positioned to deliver a Northern Rhône bend to the wines it produces.
Furthermore, it is an appellation that is not produced by many large *negociant* winemakers - hence it flies under the radar compared to its other cousin appellations, for example Vacqueyras and Gigondas.
Why Choose Vinsobres?
We think there are a few reasons worth mentioning here.
Firstly, Vinsobres holds the prestigious AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) status, a guarantee of the wines' authenticity and adherence to stringent production standards. But so do many others, so perhaps this is not enough to convince the average consumer who is shopping shelves lined with bottles.
Secondly, it is important to note that the versatility of Vinsobres wines makes them an ideal companion for a wide array of dishes. From grilled meats to mature cheeses to hearty stews, the robustness and acidity in these wines complements a variety of cuisines.
Finally, while Vinsobres wines exude a sense of luxury, they remain surprisingly accessible. With a diverse range of offerings, from entry-level bottles to premium cuvées, there's a Vinsobres wine for every budget. Overall however, these wines are pretty affordable. On average, Vinsobres wines are priced between $20 and $40, making them a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts seeking value without compromising on quality.
Noteworthy Producers of Vinsobres AOC Wines
According to the official appellation website, Vinsobres is home to 33 producers and growers. Mostly, we are talking about family owned operations here, with some help from cooperatives. This relatively small number allows for a close-knit community, fostering collaboration and a shared commitment to quality.
Several noteworthy producers have contributed to the growing acclaim of Vinsobres wines. Among them, Domaine Chaume-Arnaud, Domaine Jaume, Le Cellier des Dauphins and Domaine Vallot are esteemed estates crafting exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Vinsobres.
Final Thoughts
You should definitely consider having Vinsobres wines in your glass. They can represent incredible value for money at all price points at which they are available in the market. While they might be hard to find en masse in some parts of the world, the hunt is worth the treasure in our view!
Cheers!
And If You’re Still Interested In Learning More……….
To dive deeper into all things Rhone wine, check out this website: Vins-Rhone.com