Xavier Vignon - Côtes du Rhône - Arcane Valet d'Epée - Red - 2023

Wine:

Made from over 50-year-old vines cultivated organically, with a dominant blend of Grenache, the 2023 Red Côtes du Rhône Arcane Valet d'Epée is all about the fresh, vibrant expression of fruit. The nose reveals layers of fruit cream, ripe blackcurrant coulis, with roasted hints of cocoa, spices, and cinnamon. On the palate, it’s juicy and velvety, with a fresh finish and smooth, well-integrated tannins. The lack of oak adds to its freshness and harmony, preserving the dominant fruit character. A wine ready to enjoy over the next 3 to 5 years. Rated 94/100 by the Selection Committee.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Long maceration for one month with little extraction. Vinification in stainless steel vats. Aged for 12 months in concrete vats.

Color:

Intense, bright red.

Nose:

On the nose, this wine reveals a delicious intensity combining black fruit cream with ripe blackcurrant coulis, enriched with roasted notes, cocoa, sweet spices, and a delicate touch of cinnamon.

Palate:

On the palate, it is juicy and velvety, with lingering freshness and well-integrated, harmonious tannins.

Temperature:

Serve at 14–16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Herb-roasted chicken, chili con carne, spicy pork stir-fry.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2030

Xavier Vignon, an international expert and key advisor behind some of the greatest successes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the surrounding region, crafts his own cuvées with incredible precision. Noted by the famous critic Parker, this Rhône Valley artisan continues to expand his talent across the most promising and prestigious terroirs.

A brilliant blender and talented winemaker, Xavier Vignon has become a trusted name for wine enthusiasts who appreciate wines that are precise, fresh, and vibrant.