This article details a masterclass with Alistair Cooper at the Decouvertes Vins Rhône festival in Avignon in March 2025 and includes insights from additional tastings at the event.
Located near Châteauneuf and Gigondas, the Ventoux cru is adjacent to the famous cycling peak of Mont Ventoux, which rises 1900 meters and features a small ski resort. Covering an expansive area of 5400 hectares—comparable to Saint Emilion—Ventoux has a variety of climatic zones greatly influenced by the mountain.
Cooper highlighted that northern Rhône varieties thrive in Ventoux, whereas they are struggling elsewhere in the southern Rhône. Viognier, which can be heavy in other parts, performs well here. The region obtained AOC status in 1973, initially as Côtes de Ventoux, which was simplified to Ventoux in 2009.
The climate, particularly the mountain’s influence and the cooler temperatures, plays a pivotal role in Ventoux’s viniculture. Unlike much of the southern Rhône, climate change has generally benefited this region, contributing to greater diurnal temperature variation. Such conditions manifest in wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and enhanced aromatic complexity.
Soil diversity exists here, including siliceous, clayish, calcareous, and stony components, which adds to the complexity of the wines. The production composition is mostly red (55%), followed by rosé (35%) and white (10%). Grenache dominates red plantings (55%), with Syrah making up 28%. The top white varieties are Grenache Blanc (33%) and Clairette (27%). Notably, around 20% of the production is organic.
Ventoux is emerging as a rising star in the wine world, attracting new generations of winemakers eager to explore its potential for quality at a lower cost compared to other regions, contributing to an overall improvement in quality from established producers.
Featured Wines
Château La Croix des Pins Ventoux Blanc ‘Le Secret’ 2023
Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Roussanne, Clairette. Organic and aged 6 months in small oak. Offers bright texture with pear and white peach alongside citrus notes, with spicy oak influence. A gastronomic choice. 92/100
Domaine Alloïs Ventoux Blanc ‘Infiniment’ 2024
Rolle, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette. Biodynamic, with lovely rounded fruit character including table grape and peach. Features inviting mineral complexity. 93/100
Chêne Bleu Ventoux ‘Abélard’ 2015
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Displays an intriguing spice and mineral profile alongside cherry and berry fruits, with notes of liquorice. Now at peak maturity. 93/100
Château Pesquié Ventoux ‘Silica’ 2022
90% Grenache, 10% Cinsault. Shows ripe, expressive cherries and plums with appealing roundness and good acidity. 93/100
Château Malijay Ventoux ‘Purple de Malijay’ 2023
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. Elegant and fresh, featuring sweet cherry and plum with hints of olive. 94/100
Via Caritatis Ventoux ‘Caritas et Amor’ 2022
95% Grenache, 5% Syrah. Produced by monks and nuns with clay/limestone soils, it’s concentrated, ripe, and sweet, with a savory twist. 92/100
Martinelle Ventoux 2023
65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Organic farming yields refined floral notes of cherry and raspberry, alongside depth and structure. 93/100
Château Unang Ventoux 2022
66% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Syrah. With 30% whole bunch, this wine is fresh and expressive, featuring ripe fruits and herbal notes. 93/100
Other noteworthy wines included Domaine Leschancel L’Écrit Rouge Ventoux 2019, Mas des Flauzières La Réserve du Péreyas Ventoux 2023, and Domaine Fonte Sarade Ventoux ‘Les Terres Rouge’ 2023, showcasing the diverse offerings from this up-and-coming wine region.
For further exploration of Ventoux, the wines listed can be a great starting point for discovering the complexities this region has to offer.