Autrand Vinsobres 2021

dried black plum, black raspberry preserve, herbs de Provence, black peppercorn, and pipe tobacco

Vinsobres is one of the newest recognized appellations in the southern Rhône, having formerly been part of the much larger Côtes-du-Rhône AOC. Located upstream from Gigondas, this appellation is home to a growing number of independent wineries, including Domaine Autrand. Christine Aubert and her son Aurélien are the third and fourth generation winemakers on the property, and much like the Martin family above work with minimal intervention in order to emphasize terroir.

While usually Grenache-dominant, for the 2021 vintage this wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with a small amount of Carignan to contribute acid and complexity. Most of the family’s vines are upwards of 60 years of age and were planted after a frost destroyed the Autrand family’s olive groves in the late 1950s. Each variety is harvested separately and ferments in stainless steel. Once dry, the components are blended together and the resulting wine matures in gently-used French oak.

When you open this wine, you will want to decant for up to half an hour. Once this wine has some time to open up, it is long and aromatically complex with notes of dried black plum, black raspberry preserve, herbs de Provence, black peppercorn, and pipe tobacco. Drink now through 2029 with bone-in pork chops, lamb patties, or black bean burgers.