Wines Unspecified Maison Ravoire - Plan de Dieu - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Maison Ravoire’s 2024 Cuvée Plan de Dieu is a red wine crafted in the heart of the Southern Rhône Valley, France. This cuvée takes its name from the historic Plan de Dieu area, renowned for its gravelly alluvial soils, which are ideal for producing structured and generous red wines. Typically, wines from this terroir are blends dominated by Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, resulting in a wine of deep colour, aromatic intensity, and rich texture. The growing season in 2024 benefited from plentiful sunshine and balanced rainfall, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness. Vinification likely features traditional fermentation with moderate extraction, aiming to highlight both fruit purity and the area’s signature garrigue notes – think wild herbs, black fruit, subtle spice and earthy undertones.

The Rhône Valley, especially the southern section, has a long-standing reputation for producing warm, sun-drenched reds. The Mediterranean climate delivers hot, dry summers and mild winters, with the Mistral wind playing a crucial role in keeping the vineyards healthy. Soils in the Plan de Dieu sector are particularly rocky with a mix of clay and limestone, which imparts concentration and minerality to the wines. The region has been known for its wine production since Roman times, and Plan de Dieu was officially recognised as its own Côtes du Rhône Villages in 2005, a testament to the quality and character found here.

A wine such as this Cuvée Plan de Dieu pairs seamlessly with hearty, rustic dishes. Think Provençal lamb stew, duck confit, grilled beef or even a classic ratatouille. Local cheeses like Tomme de Provence or aged Comté would also make excellent companions. Its robust character stands up beautifully to Mediterranean cuisine with herbs, olives, and roasted vegetables.

For ideal enjoyment, serve this wine at around 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open up its aromatic complexity, especially in its youth, and accentuate its vibrant, expressive style.