Wines Côtes du Rhône Villages Domaine Florane - Guillaume de Rouville - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Florane’s Cuvée Guillaume de Rouville 2020 is an expressive red wine from the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages appellation, crafted primarily from Grenache and Syrah, which are dominant varietals in this region. The vintage 2020 is marked by balance and finesse, benefiting from sunny days and cool nights that encouraged excellent phenolic ripeness. Domaine Florane is recognised for its commitment to organic viticulture, and this is reflected in both the purity and vibrancy of the wine. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted and vinified traditionally, often with partial destemming and a gentle extraction to preserve the fruit’s innate freshness and the expression of terroir. Ageing is typically carried out in cement vats or used oak to retain the wine’s fruit-driven character and silky structure.

Situated in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and the beneficial influence of the mistral winds, which help prevent disease and encourage healthy fruit development. The soils are varied but often feature limestone, clay, and alluvial terraces, imparting depth and complexity to the wines. The Rhône region has a long winemaking heritage, with records stretching back to Roman times, and its red blends are celebrated for their aromatic intensity, generosity, and sense of place.

This wine’s vivid notes of ripe blackberries, red cherries, peppery spice, and subtle floral hints make it perfectly suited for pairing with roasted lamb, grilled duck breast, or a traditional Provençal daube. For a truly local experience, serve it alongside ratatouille or a platter of charcuterie and aged hard cheeses, such as tomme de Savoie.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for thirty minutes to allow it to open up. Serve it at a cool 16-18°C to highlight both its freshness and its suave tannic weave. This wine can also rest a few more years in your cellar but already offers tremendous pleasure now.