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

Viniou Reviews

Domaine La Florane's Cuvée Echevin Guillaume de Rouville 2020 is a striking red from the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation, crafted with great care and certified organic. The blend typically features Grenache and Syrah, occasionally complemented by Mourvèdre, bringing together the signature varietals of the southern Rhône. The 2020 vintage benefited from excellent ripening conditions, offering vibrant fruit and balance. The estate's vineyards are rooted in the clay-limestone soils characteristic of the region, at a slightly higher altitude, which imparts the wine with freshness and a structured elegance. The vinification respects the organic principles: careful hand harvesting, fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and minimal intervention, allowing the terroir and fruit to express themselves fully.

The Côtes-du-Rhône Villages is a historically rich and geologically diverse region in the southern Rhône Valley. This area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days tempered by the mistral wind, aiding in the concentration and health of the grapes. The limestone and clay soils not only help retain precious moisture during the dry summer months but also bring minerality and complexity to the wines. The tradition of winemaking here stretches back to Roman times, and today the region is celebrated for producing reds with generosity, structure, and a touch of rusticity.

For food pairings, this wine shows remarkable versatility thanks to its harmonious balance of ripe red berry fruit, subtle spice, and supple tannins. It perfectly accompanies Provençal classics such as lamb with herbs, ratatouille, or a hearty daube provençale. Rustic charcuterie, grilled aubergines, and roasted root vegetables will also highlight its southern character. For an authentic match, consider a platter of tapenade and regional cheeses like Tomme de Romans.

To enjoy this Cuvée Echevin Guillaume de Rouville at its best, serve it slightly cool at around 16–18°C, allowing the bouquet of red fruit, garrigue, and delicate pepper notes to fully unfold. Decanting for thirty minutes can help soften the tannins and release the wine’s full aromatic complexity.