HISTORY OF DOMAINE: Paul Jeune, the dynamic sixth generation winemaker and owner of Domaine de Montpertuis in Châteauneuf du Pâpe, acquired the Chateau Valcombe in 2000. He is the successor to Claude Fonquerle who rediscovered the potential of this extraordinary site. Fonquerle was a pioneer in his belief that the Cotes du Ventoux could produce wines of great class and complexity. Château Valcombe became the leader in the Côtes du Ventoux appellation thanks to the viticultural practices and the vinification methods introduced by Claude Fonquerle. Paul Jeune remains loyal to that tradition but brings his own sensibility to this value-oriented appellation.
COMPOSITION OF DOMAINE: The terroir of Valcombe is situated at an altitude of 1000 feet on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux, one of the most majestic sites in Provence known as the "Giant of Provence". This elevation offers relief from the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, creating a unique mesoclimate for Valcombe's vineyards. The vineyards are planted to a mix of Syrah, Roussanne, Carignan, Grenache, Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Bourboulenc and cover 23 hectares. The average age of the vines is 60 years. The majority of the vineyards are situated on rocky, brown limestone soils covered with "galets", rocks worn smooth and round by the Rhône River. These "galets" are beneficial in two ways: first, they prevent excessive evaporation of the scarce moisture in the subsoil; second, they capture energy from the sun during the day and radiate it back on the vines at night. These factors insure ideal ripening conditions for the grapes. The difficult climate, rocky, unfertile soil, and the old vines combine to limit yields and produce remarkable quality.
METHOD OF VINIFICATION: The grapes are entirely hand-harvested. Sorting for quality occurs in the vineyards. The cellar is entirely underground, an important factor for both fermentation and conservation in this hot climate. The Signature Rouge cuvée is a blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. Vines average 40 years of age and generally yield about 40 hl/ha. The harvest is destemmed before being fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is aged in tanks as well before bottling. The Griottes is a blend of 50% Grenache Noir and 50% Syrah. Vines naturally yield a low 40 hl/ha. Grapes are harvested at phenolic maturity, completely destemmed, and fermented and aged in underground, naturally temperature controlled tanks. The Genevrières Blanc is made from a blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussane. Yields are low, averaging 45 hl/ha. Half of the wine is vinified in temperature-controlled tanks; the other half is vinified in barrel. The wine is aged for 6 months in barrel with 2 months of bâtonnage. The Genevrières Rouge is a blend of 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Carignan, 10% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. Made from a selection of some of the oldest vines on the estate (averaging 65 years in age) with very low yields of 30 hl/ha., this cuvee is perhaps the most typical expression of the terroir of Valcombe. 80% of this cuvee is fermented and aged in underground tanks; 20% of the wine is barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in barrel. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration.
Tasting Notes:
Côtes du Ventoux Rouge "Signature" 2001: an ebullient wine resplendent with raspberries, both in the nose and on the palate; rich but not overly fat carrying 14% alcohol; deep, bright ruby red color; gentle tannins quite approachable.
Côtes du Ventoux Rouge "Griottes" 2001: a touch of game amid notes of "soubois"; a peppery spice sits on top of the fruit of black and red cherries; very well balanced with a bright acidity that bodes well for continued development; quite dense with a round, silky mouthfeel.
Côtes du Ventoux Rouge "Genevrières" 2000: very aromatic, very spicy; great expression of Grenache with elements of talc and clay that leave an intense palate impression - leading to a finish of fine, dusty, sweet tannins; very ripe; the Carignan adds notes of game and leather; entrancing garnet hints to ruby color.