Valréas is a charming village located in Vaucluse, in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, steeped in a rich papal history that dates back to when it was part of the enclave of the popes. Named after a Roman by the name of Valerius—originally Valeriacum—the village carries a captivating legend: in the 14th century, a weary pope returning from Lyon is said to have regained his strength by drinking this very wine. Officially designated as AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages Valréas in 1967, the appellation has since built a reputation for wines that exude both tradition and character.
Focusing exclusively on reds, the wines of this appellation are crafted from a blend of Carignan, Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. The generous nature of these wines reflects an unmistakable influence of Provence, with distinct expressions of red fruit evident both on the nose and the palate. Although the production figures have not been disclosed, the estate spans a remarkable 562 hectares, ensuring a wide-ranging expression of its terroir.
The vineyards are planted in the Baronnies, perched at around 250 meters of altitude near the Vinsobres coast. Here, terraces of red clay under the influence of Alpine winds create the secret behind a wine that is notably healthy, robust, and refreshingly buoyant. The soil, a unique yellow sandy safre typical of the region, imparts a distinctive character that reflects the richness at the foothills of the Alps. This terroir, combined with the historical heritage of Valréas, allows the wines to stand out with generous aromas and a natural elegance that is both traditional and modern.