Ventoux: Domaine Vintur Cuvee Belenos Red 2016

  

Domaine Vintur is an independent wine producer located on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux, 33 Km from Avignon. When Graham Shore, a British wine-lover who has lived for part of the year in Provence for nearly 20 years, bought Domaine Vintur in 2010, it had been under-managed for several years and certain buildings were in need of renovation; what followed can only be described as a labour of love. The combination of Graham’s passion for both wine and Provence is reflected in the quality and level of restoration conducted.

Their resident winemaker, James Wood, has worked in vineyards across France, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand and England. James moved to the Domaine Vintur in early 2012 and his efforts had early success, winning awards for both white and red wines. One of the reasons Graham decided upon Domaine Vintur was the vines. Most of the vines on the 12 ½ hectares of planted land are 30-60 years old, so fully mature. They therefore have the potential to produce complex wines, with subtle but engaging aromas and flavours. The location is ideal for producing high quality fruit, thanks to a combination of Provençal sunshine, mistral winds and limestone/clay soil. The Southern Rhône has a history of wine making dating back to the ancient Greeks, who brought over and planted the first vines, and the Romans, who expanded the vineyards.