Ventoux
The Ventoux (formerly Côtes du Ventoux) is a huge appellation with over 17,500 acres of vines on and around Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse département. This is one of the most scenic parts of France with some of the country’s prettiest villages and most beautiful countryside. 90% of the wine is produced by co-operatives and its tends to be surprisingly lighter and sweeter than that of the Côtes du Rhône. However, some of the less widely available prestige cuvées are capable of ageing well and provide outstanding value.
Recent vintages have been kind to the Ventoux, as elsewhere in the valley although it certainly doesn't follow that this vast area enjoys the same successes as some of its more illustrious neighbours. There are still many wines which, in the 21st century, have no excuses for being sub-par. That said, wine fairs in the region have been becoming more and more pleasurable encounters in recent years. However, there are always going to be a few standout names and, since 2011, Château Juvenal has followed a spiralling upward trajectory for both quality and range. The enthusiasm here is something you can almost taste in every sip. Deservedly awarded wine of the week by Jancis Robinson MW when I encouraged her to taste the wines from the 2015 vintage and they've only got better since then!
