presented by Presented by Mark Luna of Kellogg Selections
Founded in 1967, Vignerons Ardèchois is one of the largest and best-run cooperatives in southeastern France. The vineyards are farmed by 1000 different families who tend to be between 5 and 25 hectares each. Over half of the families still practice polyculture farming, and grow stone fruits, olives, almonds, and lavender in addition to tending their vineyards. Located between the foothills of the Cévennes and the Rhône River at an average altitude of nearly 300 meters, the cooperative lies outside the typical division of Northern and Southern Rhône. The southern latitude allows the grapes to fully ripen, but the unusual freshness of the wines comes from the higher altitude. Winemaking is overseen by the young and dynamic Marion Bosquet, who is originally from Sancerre and worked in the Northern Rhône, Australia, and Loire Valley before joining Vignerons Ardèchois in 2014.
Chardonnay Les Classiques ~ 2022
The vineyard is in southern Ardèche, on a variety of hillside and semi-hillside terroirs, primarily in the communes of Valvignères and Vogüé. The grape variety is cultivated with low yields, which gives this wine richness and length on the palate, typical of Chardonnay. The village of Vogüé illustrates this vintage, designed by Sgarra, an artist of cubist inspiration.
Appellation: IGP Ardeche, France
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay, ABV 14%
Tasting notes: Gold with green highlights, bright, clear. Floral White Flowers Mint Butter Expressive
Pairings: Soft cheeses, aperitifs, fish
Producer: Vignerons Ardèchois
Pinot Noir Les Classiques ~ 2022
This cuvée is the result of strict work in the vineyard: limited yield, early summer green harvest, hand-picked. After a long maceration of up to 3 weeks, 50% of the harvest is aged in 2 y/o oak barrels for 4-6 months, and then blended with the other 50%, aged on fine lees in stainless steel.
Appellation: IGP Ardeche, France
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir – ABV 13%
Producer: Vignerons Ardèchois
Syrah Les Classiques ~ 2022
This is made according to traditional winemaking techniques. It is vatted for a relatively long period of 7 to 8 days,with varying temperatures to extract colors and aromas.
Appellation: IGP Ardeche, France
Grapes: 100% Syrah – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: An intense color and a beautiful aromatic range in red wines. Wines made from this emblematic grape variety of the Rhône Valley are distinguished by their aromatic complexity and the finesse of their tannins.
Pairings: Meats in sauce, Charcuterie, Game, Stuffed quail, Caillettes
Producer: Vignerons Ardèchois
Cabernet Sauvignon Les Classiques ~ 2022
The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from chalky-clay soil near the villages Jalès and Les Cruzières. The combination of warm climate with cool nights from high altitude allows the Cabernet to fully ripen while retaining balance and a delicious flavor that hits the Cabernet receptors spot on. Since the creation of the coop in the 1960s, the Vignerons Ardèchois have used a decentralized system where 12 local vinification centers receive grapes from the nearby vineyards.
Appellation: IGP Ardeche, France
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: A deep red with fruity blackcurrant intense dried fruit and a powerful and distinctive wine, with roasted notes and elegant, melted tannins.
Pairings: Meats in sauce , grilled meats, charcuterie, country terrines
Producer: Vignerons Ardèchois
