Wines Vinsobres Le Caveau du Prieuré - 2022

Le Caveau du Prieuré 2022 from the Vinsobres AOC is a red wine that highlights the harmonious blend typical of the Southern Rhône Valley. The principal grape varieties for this appellation are Grenache, often paired with Syrah and sometimes Mourvèdre, which combine to create a wine with both structure and expressive fruit. The 2022 vintage in the Vallée du Rhône méridionale benefited from a warm growing season, leading to ripe, concentrated grapes and wines with vibrant aromas and deep colour. The vinification process likely sees a traditional approach with careful temperature control to encourage soft tannins while preserving the wine’s fresh fruit character, resulting in a dry, medium-bodied red with lively acidity and a pleasantly persistent finish.

Vinsobres is a noteworthy appellation situated at the northernmost end of the southern Rhône Valley. Its vineyards are perched on hillsides at altitudes between 200 and 450 metres, providing a cooler microclimate than the lower valley floor. The soils are a mix of clay and limestone with a stony surface, which assist in regulating water and promoting excellent ripening conditions. The region's Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool nights, imbues the wines with both concentration and freshness. Vinsobres was elevated to cru status in 2006, a testament to its unique terroir and the consistent quality of its wines.

This style of Vinsobres calls for hearty, flavourful dishes that complement its robust fruit and spicy notes. Classic Provençal lamb with rosemary, slow-cooked beef stews or a daube provençale, and grilled Mediterranean vegetables are particularly good matches. Regionally, you might enjoy it alongside an olive tapenade, ratatouille, or game dishes featuring wild herbs.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Le Caveau du Prieuré Vinsobres 2022 at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes before serving will help open up the wine’s aromatic profile, allowing for full appreciation of its layered red and black fruit, subtle garrigue, and elegant finish. This wine will age gracefully over the next five to seven years.