The Vaucluse is a department in the southeast of France, named after the famous spring, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The name Vaucluse derives from the Latin Vallis Clausis (closed valley) as the valley here ends in a cliff face from which emanates a spring whose origin is so far in and so deep that it remains to be defined. Vaucluse is bordered by the Rhône to the west and the River Durance to the south. Mountains occupy a significant proportion of the eastern half of the department, with Mont Ventoux (5,800 feet), also known as “the Giant of Provence”, dominating the landscape. Other important mountain ranges include the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Monts de Vaucluse, and the Luberon.
Julien Martin grandfather of the current owners purchased the domaine in 1905. At that time only with 5 ha. His son took over in 1947 and he expanded by buying new fields.Since 2005 the brothers David and Eric Martin run the domaine. They are the 3rd generation and own a total of 68 ha – 8,5 ha in Rasteau, 0,5 ha, VDN Rasteau, 2,4 ha in Cairanne, 33 ha. in Plan de Dieu 17 ha. in Cotes du Rhone and 8 ha. in IGT.
This dark plum colored, delicious, robust cuvée of primarily Grenache is a knock-out bargain in a southern Rhône dry red wine. It offers soft, delicious, black cherries, blackberries, pepper, and earthy notes, a fine texture, a modicum of complexity, and satisfying levels of fruit. It is an excellent value. Very versatile with food – great party red!
A bargain at $8.99 the bottle
A steal by the case at $91.70 or $7.64