Xavier Vignon : La Réserve X XII XV

An exceptional wine by Xavier Vignon where the expression of terroirs, time and grape varieties is fully revealed

The property

Extraordinary winemaker, Xavier Vignon has been considered one of the greatest specialists of the Southern Rhône Valley for over twenty years. After his oenology studies in Montpellier, Xavier Vignon traveled through vineyards in France and Australia. In love with the Rhône Valley, he settled in an oenology laboratory in 1996 in Vaucluse. Since 2016, Xavier Vignon has been fully dedicated to the creation of his own wines. A lover of great terroirs and grape varieties, Xavier Vignon vinifies and blends cuvées that stand out for their unique style.

The vineyard

La Réserve X XII XV comes from four terroirs of Châteauneuf du Pape that have been judiciously chosen for their incredible potential. Thus, the grapes of this vintage come from the vines of centenary grenaches, vaccarèse, counoise, mourvèdre, cinsault, terret noir and muscardin from La Crau, Les Galets roulés, the Urgonians and the Sands. The different grape varieties used for the blend of this Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine are planted on the same plot.

The vintages

La Réserve X XII XV is a blend of three different vintages: 2010, 2012 and 2015.

The 2010 vintage represents 42% of the final blend and brings acidity and expression of the terroir.

The 2012 vintage represents 22% of the final blend and brings varietal expression and fruitiness as well as a beautiful mineral concentration.

The 2015 vintage represents 36% of the final blend and brings a wonderful expression of the grape varieties which adds a lot of complexity to the wine. It gives a saline character to the finish.

Vinification and aging

During the manual harvest, the grape is entirely sorted and destemmed on the vine. Then, the grape is little handled during vinification even during fermentation in order to preserve the softness of the aromas and the nobility of the tannins.  

The wines from the 2010 vintage were aged in the following containers before being assembled in a stainless steel tank to complete their aging: 20% in French oak barrels for 44 months, 20% in concrete tanks for 36 months, 30% in foudres for 46 months and 30% in demi-muids for 44 months.

The 2012 vintage aged in the following containers for 36 months: 25% in concrete tanks, 25% in demi-muids, 20% in new oak barrels and 20% in one-wine oak barrels.

The 2015 vintage was entirely aged in amphora for 8 months in order to preserve the expression of the fruit and the terroir while giving a beautiful suppleness to the tannins.

Blend

Grenache, vaccarèse, counoise, mourvèdre, cinsault, terret noir and muscardin.

Characteristics and tasting advice for La Réserve X XII XV by Xavier Vignon

Food and wine pairings

La Réserve X XII XV will sublime grilled rib of beef, roasted pigeon but also veal tenderloin.

Service and aging

La Réserve X XII XV is an exceptional wine that can be kept between 10 and 20 years. For optimal tasting, serve between 15 and 16 degrees.