Review: Domaine Autrand 2012 Vinsobres
- vinterest
- Oct 27, 2014
- 1 min read
The low-down: Vinsobres is one of the two newest AOPs in south Cote du Rhone having been elevated from a Cote du Rhone Village to a Rhone Cru in 2006, along with Beaumes de Venise. To bear the Vinsobres label requires at least 50% grenache and 25% syrah in the blend. As the blend is majority grenache like the Gigondas we tasted earlier, it is not recommended for extended ageing (>10-15 years).
The 54 ha vineyard has been run by a mother and son team since 2002. Interestingly, the estate was growing lavender, orange and apricots until the mid 1990s when it turned its focus to wine.
This blend retails in France for less than 10 Euros.
The take: On appearance, a distinct dark blood red (do you like our photo?, Happy Halloween!) with high viscosity. On the nose, initially closed with a hint of strawberries and oak. A gamey character emerges along with orange and pepper. On the attack, nice acidity but unbalanced by an over-ripeness and thick tannins, even after a decant.
In closing: Joyously jammy but unbalanced and tannic. We prefer the Vacqueyras.
Rating: 6 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Vinsobres (AOC)
Producer: Domaine Autrand
Vintage: 2012
Grape: Grenache, Syrah
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Serving temperature: 15-16°
Price range: Low-end
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