Domaine du Val des Rois Cuvée Signature Valréas AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages, 2018

2018 Cuvée Signature has intense floral aromas combined with those of vermouth, cola some aniseed and black cherry jam. Domaine du Val des Rois in Valréas was purchased by Emmanuel Bouchard’s father in 1964. Originally from the Bouchard family in Burgundy, he planted vines and transformed the ancient sheepfold into a winery. Today Emmanuel farms the land organically and also has a steady supply of truffles dug up in the vineyard. A wet start to the 2018 growing season caused some concern initially in the vineyard. However, from mid June the weather was dry and warm through to harvest. Domaine du Val des Rois specializes in Grenache and this wine is produced with 75% Grenache blended with 25% Syrah. It is a concentrated wine, tight with a firm acidity on the palate and good tannin structure. Flavours of herbs, aniseed and cherry emerge in the glass. With time it will unwind, becoming more mellow and approachable. Most of the vines are south, south-east facing on clay soils. Other than a small amount of sheep manure periodically added to nourish the vines, there is no use of agrichemicals.