Winemaker Notes
Domaine d’Andezon is one of the member-estates of Les Vignerons d’Estezargues and is unique in the region. While most of the vineyards in the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Signargues are heavier clays covered with up to a meter of galets formed at the same time as the famed plateaux of galets in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this isn’t the terroir at Andezon. Instead, it is a fine pale sandy and chalky soil that favors Syrah (comprising 90-95% of Andezon in most vintages) in this hot and windy region by giving it an herbal lift and bright acidity.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.