Xavier Vignon "100%" Côtes du Rhône Red Blend 2019
Xavier Vignon "100%" Côtes du Rhône Red Blend 2019
Rhone Valley, France
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Tasting Notes
The 2019 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône "Cuvée 100%" is a bold yet beautifully balanced expression of the Southern Rhône, showcasing a harmonious blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and unique supporting varietals. This wine captures the essence of its terroir with layered complexity, evolving beautifully in the glass.
On the nose, it opens with bright red fruit—cherry, strawberry, juicy pomegranate, and red plum—interwoven with notes of garrigue, orange peel, and a subtle smoky hint reminiscent of grilled meats. The palate is rich and round, dominated by vibrant red fruit flavors complemented by layers of leather, fresh rosemary and thyme, and a lively fruit punch character. As the wine develops on the midpalate, nuances of camphor, grilled meats, and deeper tones of strawberry, cherry, and plum emerge, adding to its complexity.
The finish is long and layered, with velvety tannins and subtle acidity providing structure and balance. Aromas of coffee bean and chocolate linger on the nose, while the palate remains savory and refined. Despite its full-bodied nature, this wine retains an acidic lift that keeps it fresh and elegant. It benefits greatly from aeration, unfolding and deepening over time in the glass, rewarding patience with an even more nuanced experience. Pair with grilled meats (lamb chops, steak, or grilled sausages), roast chicken that has herbal elements (rosemary or thyme), duck with a fruity glaze, herb crusted lamb (epecially ones with a garlic herb crust), cheese and charcuterie, ratatouille, roasted root vegetables, vegetable tart, grilled veggies (bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant), or pizza with red sauce - classic margarita/vegetable or meat (sausage, pepperoni). -
Story
Xavier Vignon founded his own wine label in 2002, drawing from his extensive experience as a winemaking consultant across the Southern Rhône. With a deep respect for the region's diverse terroirs, Vignon sought to create wines that reflect both the unique characteristics of the land and his innovative approach to winemaking. His eponymous wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and expressive character, combining the traditional craftsmanship of the Rhône with modern techniques. Vignon’s portfolio spans multiple appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Côtes du Rhône, where he selects the best plots of land to source his fruit, emphasizing quality and a connection to the land.
In terms of viticulture, Vignon prioritizes sustainable practices, working with vineyards that maintain healthy biodiversity and reducing the use of chemical treatments. His approach is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the vines to thrive naturally in their environment. The winemaking process follows a philosophy of respect for the fruit, with careful selection of grapes and hands-off vinification that emphasizes the expression of terroir. Vignon employs techniques such as fermentation in concrete or wooden vats, gentle extraction, and aging in large oak barrels to preserve the freshness and complexity of the wines. His style is one that balances fruit purity with depth, showcasing the richness and texture of the Rhône Valley, while also ensuring that each wine evolves gracefully with time.
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Somm Notes
Xavier Vignon is a highly regarded winemaker and consultant whose influence on the Southern Rhône Valley is both profound and far-reaching. His career began with a deep interest in the region's unique terroirs, and he quickly established himself as a leading figure in Rhône winemaking. Vignon studied viticulture and oenology at the University of Burgundy, one of the foremost institutions for wine education, which provided him with a solid technical foundation in both the science and craft of winemaking. With this education, he launched his career by working with some of the most prestigious estates in the region, including Château de Beaucastel, Domaine de la Janasse, Domaine Clos Saint-Jean, and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. His consulting expertise spans several key appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras, where he has played a vital role in refining viticultural and winemaking techniques, often with a focus on increasing quality while maintaining respect for the region’s traditions.
Vignon is also a passionate advocate for the Southern Rhône, both in terms of its potential to produce world-class wines and its ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions. His training and education have allowed him to become a leading voice in helping the region’s winemakers adjust to the challenges posed by climate change. Through his consulting work, Vignon has encouraged producers to implement sustainable viticultural practices, such as focusing on vineyard biodiversity, optimizing water usage, and selecting grape varieties suited to new climatic realities. His own wine label, Xavier Vignon, was launched in 2002 as an expression of his vision for the Rhône—a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern winemaking techniques. One of his standout wines, the 100% Côtes du Rhône, is a bold yet accessible representation of the region, crafted from the best fruit available and showcasing the power and elegance of the Southern Rhône. The "100%" designation refers to the wine’s commitment to being composed entirely of Côtes du Rhône fruit, without blending from other regions, ensuring a true and focused expression of the terroir. This wine captures the essence of the Southern Rhône, with rich fruit, subtle spice, and a balanced structure, making it a favorite for both casual drinkers and wine connoisseurs alike.
91 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Ripe-cherry, blueberry, orange-zest and licorice aromas. It’s medium-bodied with ripe, rounded tannins. Juicy, bright and flavorful. From organically grown grapes. Delicious now.
90 POINTS: ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE - Vignon's 2019 Cotes du Rhone 100% is named not for being monovarietal—it's anything but—but for including parcels from virtually all of the appellations in the Southern Rhône. A blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and the rest several other varieties and a bit of reserve wine from previous vintages, it offers a bouquet that combines garrigue with blackberries and adds subtle hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it should be enjoyed over the next several years. -
Region
Côtes du Rhône: Terroir, Climate, and Unique Elements of the Southern Rhône
The Southern Rhône is known for its Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters, making it ideal for growing Rhône varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The region’s Mistral wind helps maintain grape health by reducing humidity, while the diverse soils—ranging from gravel to limestone—provide excellent drainage and temperature regulation. This combination of factors results in wines that are full-bodied, rich, and expressive, often carrying unique herbal notes from the garrigue (wild Mediterranean flora) that enhance the wine’s complexity.
Hierarchy in the Southern Rhône and What "Côtes du Rhône" Means in Terms of Wine
In the Rhône Valley, wines are classified into various categories based on quality. At the top are prestigious AOCs like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte-Rôtie, followed by the broader Côtes du Rhône appellation, which covers wines made from a range of vineyards across both the Northern and Southern Rhône. Côtes du Rhône wines are typically blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, offering approachable, fruit-forward wines at a more accessible price point. Some specific villages within the region are designated as Côtes du Rhône Villages, and higher-end Côtes du Rhône Crus offer even more refinement.
Xavier Vignon's 100% Côtes du Rhône: What Makes the Grapes Unique?
The Xavier Vignon 100% Côtes du Rhône 2019 is a blend of multiple varietals, including 50% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault, 5% Marselan, 5% Caladoc, and 3% Counoise, sourced exclusively from the Southern Rhône. The grapes benefit from the region’s warm climate, long growing season, and the Mistral wind, which promotes healthy vines and concentrated fruit. The gravelly soils offer excellent drainage, resulting in rich, vibrant flavors. While most Côtes du Rhône wines come from both the Northern and Southern Rhône, this wine exclusively features grapes from the Southern Rhône, making it a pure and focused expression of the region’s distinctive terroir.