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Provence's Ventoux is 'about more than entry-level co-op table wines', says winemaker

Published:  26 June, 2014

Provence's Ventoux region has more to offer than entry-level co-operative grown table wines, and quality rivals its Côtes du Rhône neighbours, claims a winemaker from the region.

James Wood, a Yorkshire veteran of the wine trade and now winemaker at Vintur, told Harpers.co.uk that while it has had some success in the UK buyers are still put off by what they consider overly high prices for wines from the region.

"We are not trying to create waves in the Ventoux, but more encourage people to try an up and coming wine region that is not all about price points and table wines from cooperatives."

Provence's Ventoux region has serious potential, claims winemakerProvence's Ventoux region has serious potential, claims winemakerDomaine Vintur's winemaker James Wood, believes Provence's Ventoux wines are going from strength to strength.

Domaine Vintur, bought by Englishman Graham Shore in 2010, sells wine online in the UK through Winedirect and Mountain Valley, and Wood came on board in 2012.

Given its proximity to the gruelling Tour de France stage Mont Ventoux, the winery has opted for cycling-related names - coming up with Le Gentleman (as Bradley Wiggins was termed by the French press in 2012) for its reserve Grenache blend, rrp £14.

Domaine Vintur's winemaker James Wood, believes Provence's Ventoux wines are going from strength to strength.

Given the Tour is staging its Grand Départ in Leeds and Harrogate this year, Wood will be travelling to the region to host tastings.

The winery is continuing to look for on-trade distribution, where Wood believes it will find its natural home given the wines' "natural acidity, ripeness of tannins and textures that help create a 'gastro wine'."  

"I would love to see the UK market finding out what value and quality there is here in the Ventoux in comparison to our neighbours in the Côtes du Rhône which can be very hit and miss and of less value for the quality."

 Wood added that while the region is best known for its rosés, so far Vintur's whites have been its bestsellers. With this is mind the estate is looking to increase its white grape plantings as it acquires more land. It is currently producing around 45,000 75cl bottles per year and is in the process of converting to organic farming.

 

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