Domaine Chaume-Arnaud Ctes du Rhne 2021

Certified Organic + Bio-dynamic (2009)Variety:50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% CinsaultCountry Region: France, Southern Rhne ValleyAppellation: Ctes du Rhne

Made from young vines (30+ years old) from Vinsobres this could be classified as Vinsobres but they have chosen to keep these younger vines in this cuvee classified as just Cotes du Rhone making this a bargain offering much greater depth than your average Cotes du Rhone. Made from 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Cinsault. Based on north-east / north-west facing slopes. The soil is clayey and chalky. 30 days maceration on skins with natural yeast for fermentation and aged in concrete tank for 6 months.

Correct red colour; there is nicely unleashed red fruit with reduction in tow on the nose, multiple raspberry prompts. The palate is nicely go-go, gives an instant offer of red berries, the tannins mild. The fruit declares well, and its a fun, up wine, w.o.w. drinking. 2026-27.’Jonathon Livingston-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com.

Domaine Chaume Arnaud

Vinsobres is the most Northerly of the Crus in the Southern Rhone and one of the highest at 400 to 450 metres (higher than the highest vinyeard in Gigondas).

It benefits not only from the ‘Mistral’ (from the North) but also the Pontias which blows from the East, and from the pre-Alps. Organic since 1997 and biodynamic since 2003.

“We first experimented with biodynamic preparations on problem plots and, given the improvements observed, we generalized the approach to the entire area. Over the years, we have noticed that not only are our soils more alive, but our vines are more vigorous and our wines have evolved towards a more harmonious balance.”

The municipalities of Vinsobres and St Maurice are located in the south of the Drme department, in la Valle de lEygues. They look at the north face of Mont Ventoux. The climate is of the Mediterranean type, conducive to the cultivation of the vine and the olive tree. The hillsides with clayey, limestone and stony soil offer beautiful south and south-east exposures, where Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvdre and Syrah are grown.

The plots are well grouped around the farm which facilitates biodynamic work. 38 ha of vines spread over the municipalities of Vinsobres and St Maurice sur Eygues. A magnificent terroir with limestone and stony clay soil with beautiful expositions to the south, opposite Mont Ventoux. The plateau of Vinsobres at more than 400m altitude is more clay and very stony. This extra altitude brings notable freshness throughout the growing season.