Viniou Reviews
Domaine L'Espigouette's Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2020 is a red wine hailing from the revered Côtes-du-Rhône AOC in France's Rhône Valley. Crafted from old vines, or "vieilles vignes", this cuvée draws on a blend typically dominated by Grenache, complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre and occasionally Cinsault. The 2020 vintage enjoyed a warm, balanced growing season, resulting in rich concentration, supple tannins and a notable depth of fruit. The wine undergoes traditional vinification, with a gentle extraction to preserve the character of the fruit and terroir, and may see a short period of maturation in vats or more neutral vessels to amplify freshness and fruit purity.
The Rhône Valley, stretching from Vienne to Avignon, is one of France's most storied regions. The terroir is shaped by varied soils such as galets roulés, clay and limestone, which impart both power and finesse to its wines. The southern Rhône, home to Côtes-du-Rhône, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine and the moderating Mistral wind, encouraging healthy vines and ripening. This historical cradle of winemaking, dating back to Roman times, is renowned for its hearty reds and convivial table culture.
A wine such as this calls for generous, flavourful cuisine. Its ripe red and black fruit notes, gentle spice and silky structure pair superbly with classic Provençal dishes like ratatouille or daube de boeuf. Grilled lamb with rosemary, herb-roasted chicken or a mushroom tart are equally harmonious, as are simple charcuterie and hard cheeses such as Comté or Cantal. For a local touch, try it with saucisson sec and olives.
To fully appreciate the aromatic complexity and supple texture, serve Domaine L'Espigouette Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2020 at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour is recommended to let the wine open up. This wine is delightful now, but can also reward a few more years of cellaring if desired.
