Viniou Reviews
Xavier Vignon’s Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2020 is a classic expression of Côtes-du-Rhône red, made from old-vine grapes typical of the region—primarily Grenache, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2020 vintage benefited from excellent ripening conditions, resulting in a wine of notable concentration and balance. These "Vieilles Vignes" (old vines) yield fruit with greater depth and complexity, often giving the wine additional structure and aromatic intensity. The vinification at Xavier Vignon focuses on preserving the purity of fruit, with gentle extraction and careful ageing, often in inert vessels or older oak to avoid overpowering the subtle nuances the old vines provide.
The Rhône Valley is celebrated for its diverse landscape and rich winemaking history, stretching back to Roman times. Here, vineyards bask in a warm Mediterranean climate, punctuated by the cleansing mistral winds that help protect grapes from disease. The soils are a patchwork of galets roulés (rounded pebbles), limestone, clay, and sandy terraces, each imparting subtle differences to the wines. Côtes-du-Rhône regional appellation covers a wide area, yet certain producers like Xavier Vignon consistently capture the classic energy and supple fruit that distinguish this area’s reds: approachable, ripe, and seductively spiced.
This robust and fruit-driven red pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. For a regional pairing, consider a Provençal daube (slow-cooked beef stew with olives and herbs) or lamb grilled with rosemary and garlic. The wine’s generous fruit and peppery spice complement Mediterranean-inspired vegetable dishes such as ratatouille, and it is equally enjoyable with more rustic fare like charcuterie or hard cheeses such as Cantal or Tomme de Savoie.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Xavier Vignon’s Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2020 about an hour before serving. Serve at 16-18°C to allow its expressive aromas of dark berries, garrigue, and soft spice to unfold fully. This wine is ready to drink but can develop further complexity over the next few years if properly cellared.
