# Domaine Serre Besson Cru Vinsobres (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Serre Besson
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackberry, cherry, violet, black pepper, liquorice, cedar, smoke, vanilla

## About this wine

Domaine Serre Besson was established when Victor Taylor, a former New York sommelier, and Xavier Nyssen, a French corporate lawyer, purchased a stone house and four hectares of neglected vines in Vinsobres. Situated at approximately 450 meters elevation in the Les Côtes lieu-dit, the estate benefits from high-altitude cooling, strong Mistral winds, and steep terraced slopes overlooking Mont Ventoux. AOC Vinsobres, elevated to Southern Rhône Cru status in 2006, provides a unique terroir combining power with freshness.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by a former New York sommelier and a French corporate lawyer who restored neglected old vines.
- Situated at 450 meters elevation, among the highest vineyard sites in the Vinsobres appellation.
- Utilizes a subterranean, gravity-fed winery built directly into the hillside.
- Awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast for the 2023 vintage.

## Food pairing

The structured body, firm fine-grained tannins, and vibrant fruit character of this Southern Rhône blend complement rich red meats with ample fat and savory herbs. Earthy vegetarian dishes match the dark fruit and subtle herbal and peppery notes of the wine.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in 20 kg crates with double cluster sorting, the grapes are destemmed and gravity-fed into a custom subterranean cellar. Fermentation occurs parcel-by-parcel in concrete tanks using indigenous yeasts. The wine ages for 10 to 18 months in concrete tanks and 400-liter French oak ovals before final blending and bottling with minimal added sulfites.