Xavier Vignon - Côtes du Rhône - Arcane Le Soleil - Red - 2015

Wine:

A model of finesse, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages Arcane XIX Le Soleil Red is a pure infusion of Grenache (80% from nearly century-old vines), shaped by restrained aging. The palate is smooth and elegant, with fine tannins, unfolding in a beautifully balanced southern style. It offers notes of dark fruits, garrigue, chocolate, and sweet spices. "Quite possibly the best Côtes du Rhône I’ve ever tasted," says Joe Czerwinski, Parker's Wine Advocate critic. Rated 94/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Long maceration. Aged for 15 months, 1/3 in concrete vats, 1/3 in foudres and 1/3 in new Austrian barrels.

Color:

Intense, brilliant ruby-garnet red.

Nose:

Delicate red and black fruit aromas on a fresh, understated finish.

Palate:

A digestible structure with delicate tannins in an assertive southern style and a fine evolution.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Braised piglet shoulder, pressed beef cheek with red wine, lacquered calf sweetbread.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2029

An international expert and key advisor behind some of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s greatest successes, Xavier Vignon crafts his own cuvées with unmatched precision.

Praised by renowned American critic Robert Parker, this Rhône Valley artisan continues to push the boundaries of his talent, exploring the region's most promising and prestigious terroirs.

A master blender and talented winemaker, Xavier Vignon has become a trusted name among enthusiasts who value his precise, fresh, and vibrant wines. This tireless innovator is constantly reimagining the Southern Rhône, creating a style that is now widely celebrated by top critics.