Côtes-du-Ventoux J. Vidal-Fleury 1998
This 1998 Côtes-du-Ventoux is produced by J. Vidal-Fleury, a historic wine house founded in 1781. Bottled under the Appellation Côtes-du-Ventoux Contrôlée, this French wine originates from the renowned Rhône Valley, a region with a rich viticultural history dating back to Roman times.
The Rhône Valley is geographically divided into two distinct parts, and this wine hails from the southern section. The Côtes-du-Ventoux appellation, which officially gained its AOC status in 1973 and later simplified its name to Ventoux in 2009, is located in the southeastern part of the valley. The vineyards stretch across more than 50 municipalities in the Vaucluse department, arranged like an amphitheater on the lower slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux, famously known as the "Giant of Provence."
The area experiences a predominantly Mediterranean climate, but it is heavily influenced by the altitude and the surrounding mountains. Mont Ventoux creates a cooler microclimate with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, which slows down the ripening process of the grapes. This cooler mountain climate, combined with the strong Mistral wind, defines the local viticulture and sets it apart from the warmer, lower-lying appellations of the Rhône Valley. The diverse soils consist primarily of red clay, limestone, sand, marl, and stony scree from the mountains.
While the appellation produces a small amount of white and rosé wines, it is primarily recognized for its red wines. These are typically classic Southern Rhône blends based on grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. The wine is presented in a 750 ml bottle with an alcohol content of 12.5%.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Côtes du Rhône
The Rhône Valley in south-eastern France has grown wine since Roman times. The region falls into two parts: the northern section with steep slopes, where Syrah produces deep wines in Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, and the warmer south, where Grenache-based blends culminate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are spicy and powerful with dark berries, pepper and garrigue herbs.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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