Buy Rhone Valley En-Primeur wines 2023 and 2022

Rhone Valley En-Primeur wines 2023 and 2022 : Key Points

2023 En Primeur wines in the Rhône Valley: the sublime expression of terroirs

The 2023 vintage in the Rhône Valley was marked by extreme weather conditions, but thanks to careful management of the vines, it was possible to obtain very precise en primeur wines. The region's flagship appellations, including Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas, all produced complex wines combining concentration, freshness and elegance.

Weather favouring a balanced vintage

After a relatively mild winter, the spring of 2023 in the Rhône Valley was marked by rainfall that replenished the soil's water reserves, ensuring good vegetative development. The summer saw some intense heat waves, but they were less prolonged than in previous years, which helped to limit water stress in many plots. The cool nights, particularly in the northern part of the vineyard, played a crucial role in preserving the acid and aromatic balance of the grapes. Ripening was slow, favouring optimum concentration of aromas and tannins.

The harvest got underway in ideal weather conditions, with sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to be picked over several weeks.

Characteristics of the 2023 Rhône Valley en primeur wines

The red wines of this vintage, particularly those from Saint-Joseph, Hermitage and Cornas, stand out for their concentration and freshness. The tannins are ripe but fine, giving a fine structure without heaviness. Aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), pepper and liquorice mingle with more floral notes, typical of northern terroirs. These wines have excellent ageing potential, with a complexity that will develop over the years.

In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the reds are powerful, with generous mouthfeel and silky tannins. The acidity, which is very much in evidence despite the hot summer, brings a welcome freshness, balancing out the richness of the wines. Yields, although slightly lower than normal in some plots, produced concentrated, high-quality juices.

The early white wines of the Rhône Valley, particularly those from Condrieu and Crozes-Hermitage, are outstanding for their balance between aromatic richness and tension. The Condrieu wines, made from the Viognier grape variety, reveal aromas of stone fruit (apricot, peach) and white flowers, with a freshness on the palate that promises a fine evolution. The Crozes-Hermitage whites are sharper, with notes of citrus, flowers and subtle minerality, offering a straightforward, elegant structure

2023 En Primeur wines to delight lovers of character and elegance

The 2023 vintage in the Rhône Valley promises to be a great one, perfectly expressing the diversity of the region's terroirs. The reds, both powerful and well-balanced, and the whites, both aromatic and fresh, offer excellent ageing potential while still being accessible when young.