Ventoux: Domaine Vintur Cuvee Belenos Red

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 set on the slopes around the towering Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse department, granted AOC status in 1973. Its higher elevations and cooling mountain influence give a slightly fresher climate than much of the southern Rhône, producing wines with good balance and lively acidity. Predominantly red, built chiefly on Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, they are typically fruit-forward, approachable, and food-friendly, showing ripe red fruit and garrigue herb character, alongside fresh rosés and aromatic whites.