Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas 2024 Clos Bellane

The Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas 2024 from Clos Bellane is the most approachable and immediately seductive cuvée from this exceptional domaine set at 410 metres altitude facing Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Characterful and refined, this southern Rhône wine shows pleasing complexity, far removed from the heaviness sometimes associated with the region. A harmonious and accessible Côtes du Rhône Villages, perfect with convivial and authentic food, offering a fine expression of Valréas terroir.

Terroir and vines

Valréas is the most northerly village appellation within Côtes du Rhône Villages, a Drôme enclave set within Vaucluse, benefiting from a cooler, airier microclimate than its southern neighbours. Clos Bellane's vineyard on Valréas sits at 410 metres altitude, on calcareous terroirs offering attractive minerality. Cool winds descending from the Alps constantly sweep this sector, naturally preserving the acidity of the grapes while tempering the generous Mediterranean sun of this terroir. The blend comprises 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah from vines over 30 years old, certified organic since 2014. Vinification follows Stéphane Vedeau's philosophy: meticulous grape sorting, gravity-flow cellar work that preserves fruit integrity, slow macerations favouring elegance and finesse, and ageing adapted to the vintage in concrete vats, Burgundian barrels or demi-muids.

Tasting profile

The robe is purple with intense violet reflections, showing good density. The nose is expressive and seductive, revealing aromas of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, blackberry and blackcurrant, lifted by notes of altitude garrigue, pepper, violet and a touch of liquorice. In 2024, the natural freshness preserved at this altitude brings particular precision and vibrancy to the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is balanced and fresh, with lovely roundness. Silky tannins are carried by the terroir's freshness, adding dimension to generous fruity matter. Fresh acidity brings pleasant lightness, and the finish is soft and fruity with a subtle hint of calcareous minerality. A wine of immediate pleasure, ready to drink today and capable of developing harmoniously over four to six years.

The domaine

Stéphane Vedeau acquired Clos Bellane in 2010, a 60-hectare property in one parcel with 48 hectares of vines, facing Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, with exceptional views and semi-buried cellars suited to patient and precise ageing. Certified organic since 2014, the domaine also houses a truffle plantation and 120 beehives, testament to commitment for biodiversity and ecological balance. The great chef Yannick Alléno reconciled himself with Châteauneuf-du-Pape through Stéphane Vedeau's wines, and Clos Bellane is recognised as one of the most singular and precise properties in the southern Rhône.

Food pairings

This Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas will accompany summer grilled meats beautifully, lamb with garrigue herbs, wood-fired pizza, rabbit à la provençale, ratatouille niçoise or a platter of mild cheeses such as Tomme de Savoie or Pélardon. Served between 15 and 16°C, it will reveal all the fruited generosity, alpine freshness and natural elegance of a Côtes du Rhône Villages from one of the southern Rhône's most convincing properties.