Château Rouanne is a hidden jewel of the southern Rhône’s cool Vinsobres cru. The northernmost of the southern Rhône crus, the Vinsobres appellation was only elevated to cru status in 2006. The Château’s single hillside block is somewhat reminiscent of
Burgundy and Louis have identified and highlighted several unique lieu-dits. The proximity of the Alps creates a cool micro-climate set within a warm, dry Mediterranean climate. Along with the Mistral wind, the Pontias wind picks up cold air as it crosses the Alps and constantly cools the Eygues Valley beneath Château Rouanne. This allows the vines to ripen gradually, building aromatic and flavour complexity in the grapes. The estate is home to a freshwater spring of limestone and sandy marl soils where the vines thrive. The vineyard was planted in the 1960s with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The vines are farmed organically, and the grapes are hand-harvested.