Vinsobres: Domaine d'Aloes Cuvée JL

The Rhône Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, with wine production dating back to Greek occupation in the 4th century BC and thriving under the Romans; it was later revived when the papacy moved to Avignon in the fourteenth century, giving Châteauneuf-du-Pape ('the Pope's new castle') its name. The Northern Rhône is home to prestigious names such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Hermitage - small-production wines of exceptional quality - where Syrah is the sole red grape and whites come from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. The larger, warmer Southern Rhône is best known for the bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its rival Gigondas, alongside excellent-value names such as Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and Cairanne. Its wines are predominantly red, built chiefly on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

A southern Rhône appellation in the Drôme, elevated to full cru status in 2006, having previously been a Côtes du Rhône Villages. Its higher-altitude vineyards and cooling influences give a slightly fresher climate, producing structured, age-worthy red wines under strict rules requiring a majority of Grenache alongside Syrah and Mourvèdre. Expect ripe dark fruit, pepper, and garrigue herb character, framed by good balance and freshness. Benefiting from a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by the mistral wind, Vinsobres is a characterful and increasingly respected source of fine southern Rhône red.