Xavier Vignon Arcane XIX Le Soleil 2015

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour.

Originally from Picardy, Xavier Vignon is a renowned French winemaker who, after graduating in oenology in Montpellier, and working as a consultant around the world, decided to focus his energies on the production of his wines, choosing the Rhone Valley as his home.

Arcane XIX Le Soleil is a blend composed mainly of Grenache (from centuries-old vines), with additions of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Its name comes from the Tarot of Marseille, where the nineteenth card is the sun. The choice is explained by the fact that the Grenache vines used for this wine benefit from a full southern exposure. After the harvest and a long maceration, the finished wine rests for 15 months in a mixture of new barrels, small concrete tanks, and vats before bottling.

In the glass, the wine reveals a bright and intense color, with dark red tones and an expressive and broad aromatic profile with notes of dark cherry and blackberry, thyme, garrigue, and spices. On the palate, it is soft and concentrated with soft tannins and a vein of acidity that balances the taste. The finish is long, persistent, and warm. It is excellent with roast lamb with herbs, roast duck, or beef ribs.