Wenlock Cellars
Domaine La Décelle Reserve, AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas 2020
Domaine La Décelle Reserve, AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas 2020
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A hearty Syrah Grenache blend that remains light on its feet.
Production
Sunny south and west facing vineyards on clay dominated soils are situated 320m above sea level and managed following the principles of reasoned agriculture. Refreshing alpine winds create cooler growing conditions and slower ripening relative to other Southern Rhône appellations. Equal proportions of Grenache Noir and Syrah are vinified using traditional rack and return method before ageing for six months in 2-3 year old, 450 litre barrels.
Tasting notes
Dark black bramble fruit with a warming touch of spice and slight smokiness. Lovely concentrated flavours of bramble and woody herbs. Beautifully balanced; the tannins give a nice grip and a velvety texture whilst the typical freshness you’d expect of Valréas continues to the finish.
Food match
Lovely with just-pink lamb chops with a herb crust.
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ABV
14%
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Bottle Size
75cl
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Region/Country
Rhône, France
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Grape
Grenache 50%, Syrah 50%
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Features
Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable
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Closure
Cork
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Winemaker
Benoit and Frederic Lavau
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Appellation
AOP Cotes du Rhone Villages Valréas
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Allergen info
Contains sulphites and no other allergens
Meet the Producer
Valréas is a canton of Vaucluse, founded in 1317 when Pope John XXII purchased the land to ensure his supply of the area's wine, having credited it with curing his ill health. His successor, Pope Clement VI, later bought the villages of Visan, Grillon and Richerenches, creating what is now known as the Enclave des Papes.
Valréas is famous for its truffles, its lavender and its historic Papal treasures, but Domaine La Décelle’s treasure lies in the clay-rich and sandy soils of its wind-swept vineyards. So exceptional is its terroir that it was a strong contender to become Boutinot’s home in the Rhône before we finally decided upon Cairanne. A little further north than Gigondas or Cairanne and slightly higher in altitude, La Décelle produces a Valréas that is naturally fresher in style.
Domaine La Décelle was purchased by the Lavau brothers in 2010, and it was bought in three parcels; it now totals 100ha of vines. This might not be a huge vineyard area in other parts of the world, but the entire Valréas appellation is tiny and covers less than 500ha! Located in the very north of the southern Rhône Valley, Valréas is planted with more Syrah than the Côtes du Rhône villages further south thanks to its interesting terroir. Lying at 350-400 metres above sea level, it is a very windy region and it can be as much as two degrees cooler than in Cairanne to the south. It also has a notable diurnal temperature swing, and these fresh nights help to slow the ripening of the grapes and to generate pure, elegantly fruity styles of wine.
Frédéric and Benoît Lavau, whose family owns La Décelle, are also the co-owners of our highly respected, organic Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer Château Maucoil.
A Note on Sustainability
Under the ownership of the environmentally-conscious Lavau family, Domaine La Décelle achieved High Environmental Value (HVE 3) certification in 2020. This certification recognises a high level of commitment to protecting and enriching the environment with the focus on biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategy, management of fertiliser use and management of water.
