Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Bonpas - Vieilles Vignes - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Bonpas Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2023 is a red wine from the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC in the southern Rhône Valley, France. Typically, this cuvée is crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and possibly a touch of Mourvèdre, sourced from old vines which impart extra depth and concentration. The 2023 vintage, marked by a generally warm and dry growing season, often produces wines with ripe fruit flavours, balanced freshness, and supple tannins. The vinification usually involves traditional methods, with careful temperature control to preserve the pure fruit characteristics, and ageing in vats or occasionally in large oak barrels to round out the palate without excessive oak influence.

The Rhône Valley is renowned for its varied terroirs, influenced by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and the famous mistral wind, which keeps the vineyards healthy. The soils in the region are predominantly composed of rocky alluvium, clay, and limestone, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the aromatic complexity of the wines. The Côtes-du-Rhône AOC covers a large area with a long winemaking history, dating back to Roman times, and is known for producing accessible, convivial reds with expressive fruit and spice notes.

For food pairing, Bonpas Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2023’s medium to full body and lively fruit make it a superb companion to Mediterranean cuisine. Classic regional dishes like grilled lamb with herbes de Provence, ratatouille, or a hearty daube provençale are particularly well suited. It also matches beautifully with roasted vegetables, charcuterie, and mild to medium cheeses, such as Saint-Marcellin. The supple tannins and generous fruit mean it will elevate a variety of comfort foods, including sausages with lentils or a simple roast chicken.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. If the wine is young, a short decanting of 20-30 minutes can help reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins. This bottle is ready to drink in its youth for its vibrant fruit, but will also develop further nuance over the coming two to three years.