Wines Principality of Orange Principauté d'Oran - Le Relais du Roi - 2024

Viniou Reviews

The Principauté d’Oran Cuvée Le Relais du Roi 2024 is a red wine crafted under the IGP Principauté d'Orange, drawing its character from the shared influences of Provence, the lower Rhône Valley, and Corsica. This young vintage, likely made from a blend characteristic of these southern regions—think Grenache, Syrah, and perhaps a touch of Carignan or Mourvèdre—presents a wine with expressive fruit and lively freshness. Vinification for such cuvées generally focuses on preserving the vivid primary aromas, favouring stainless steel or moderate oak ageing to highlight the naturally generous fruit and subtle spiciness.

The broader region benefits from a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild winters—resulting in well-ripened grapes and wines of supple structure. The soils are varied: stony alluvium and clay in the Rhône, limestone and calcareous marl in Provence, and granitic influences on Corsica’s parcels. This diversity lends complexity and freshness to the wines. The area’s viticultural history runs deep, with centuries of tradition producing approachable yet characterful reds that bridge the aromatic exuberance of Provence and the spice of the Rhône.

This youthful red will shine alongside Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Try pairing it with Provençal classics like ratatouille, grilled lamb chops with herbs de Provence, or a rustic beef daube. The fruit-forward profile also makes it friendly with charcuterie—think saucisson sec or roasted pepper tapenade on toasted country bread. Should you wish to echo its Corsican ties, consider chargrilled sausages spiced with fennel, or a rich aubergine tian.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine slightly cool to preserve its lively fruit—around 15-16°C is ideal. Decanting is optional for such a youthful cuvée, but a brief aeration in the glass will allow the aromas to unfold, revealing floral notes, supple tannins, and a fresh, moreish finish. Enjoy over the next two to three years to appreciate its vibrancy and regional charm.