Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan Rouge AOC 2022

Wine description for Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan Rouge AOC 2022 by Roche-Audran

Character

A red wine of pleasing straightforwardness: slender, juicy and with fine streaks of acidity that lend contour to its dark fruit core. Vincent Rochette works without affectation – his wines are unpretentious, honest and possess a drinkability not always found in the appellation. The Visan 2022 offers more structure and depth in the glass than the basic Côtes du Rhône, yet remains accessible in the best sense. A wine for the table, not the podium.

Terroir & Origin

The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation deliberately sets itself apart from the vast, often anonymous Côtes-du-Rhône area: only selected villages may print their name on the label. Visan lies north of Orange on the eastern bank of the Rhône – an area where Vincent Rochette farms his vineyards biodynamically. Around the vines he has created a biodiversity refuge of trees, shrubs and herbs. The old vines are deeply rooted and remain composed even in hot years – an advantage reflected in the wine’s balance.

Grape Varieties & Vinification

The classic Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre brings together the best of the south: Grenache contributes ripe berry fruit and warmth, Syrah adds colour, spice and dark notes, while Mourvèdre provides structure and earthy depth. For Syrah and Grenache, Roche-Audran relies on old vines, whose yields are naturally limited. At 13.0% ABV, the wine remains refreshingly moderate – a hallmark of the estate’s slender style.

Food Pairings

The spicy fruit and lively acidity make this Visan a versatile everyday wine. It pairs well with lamb chops with rosemary, ratatouille, stuffed aubergines or a simple duck confit. Also an excellent choice with pasta with mushrooms or mature hard cheese. A wine that requires no lengthy deliberation – it simply tastes delicious.