Show 473, May 7, 2022: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part One

Summary: <br> <a href="https://jonathancristaldi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><br> <br> <br> <br> “The wines of <a href="https://aoc-ventoux.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AOC Ventoux</a> in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by <a href="https://unesco.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO</a> as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.”<br> <br> <br> <br> It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants. Ventoux AOC wines are just becoming readily available in the USA and generally represent good value.<br> <br> <br> <br> “Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.”<br> <br> <br> <br> “The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.”<br> <br> <br> <br> Wine journalist <a href="https://jonathancristaldi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Cristaldi</a> is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.<br>