There are plenty of contenders for the best wine value from France, but for me, there is one that holds that top spot. It’s a region that I’ve watched develop over the last forty years working in the wine trade. This video features some flat-out amazing wines, and the best part is that the wines can typically be found for under $20 per bottle.
Ventoux is an ancient region that has seriously upped its game. If you know the region, I’ll cover some specific wines worth searching out. If you’re not familiar with it, this video will prove worthwhile the next time you’re out wine shopping. The wines of Ventoux have often been lumped together with the base-level Cotes du Rhone from the Southern Rhone Valley. There are similarities; with both, Grenache usually plays a lead role. There are also significant differences. Ventoux tends to be cooler, thanks to Mont Ventoux, it’s better suited to Northern Rhone varieties. Syrah often plays a bigger role, and in general, the wines have fresher acidity and brighter fruit character. Old, low-yielding vines are common; this often leads to more concentrated wine.
2025 Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Rosé, bought at K&L Wine Merchants for $17.99
2023 Domaine Brusset Les Boudalles Ventoux Rouge, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault, from Total Wine $17.99
2023 Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Rouge, 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre from K&L Wine Merchant for $17.99
#winetasting #wineenthusiast #winelovers #rosewine #redwine #grenache #winenot #totalwine #wineshop #bestwine #winenot #wine #masterofwine #bobpaulinski
Chapter Markers:
Wines of Ventoux
Fondreche Ventoux Rosé
Brusset Ventoux Rouge
Fondreche Ventoux Rouge
13 Comments
Are you a fan of the wines from Ventoux?
thanks for adding to my knowledge of wine, Bob. I never heard of Ventoux and Provence was only roses in my mind
Excellent Bob. I consider this type of video a public service announcement for wine lovers. Love Ventoux. Always been an excellent value.
Bob, true ambasador of vino.
Thank you!
Thank you, Bob. Can't wait to try these. Can't tell you how much your recommendations have meant to me. Got me back in the game. Those wines from Puglia were great values and really enjoyable.
Thank you for another great video. This region wasn’t covered in my WSET 3 class – it’s great to learn about another region.
An exciting new region!
FYI, your text bubble says that Ventoux became its own subregion in the year 2099.😁
Traveling to the US in July, will try to find one of these and check it out!
Only heard of it because of Mont Ventoux in the tour stage :). Just looked up the appellation in the wine atlas, big area! Will look out for it. Cheers Bob!
Ventoux is one of those under the radar wine regions that are off the beaten path but worth looking for. K&L Wines is my go to wine shop besides Costco. Great topic.
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Great video! I'm a fan of Domaine Brusset too. Their base Gigondas is fantastic value. I will definitely look for the Ventoux.
Bob, I love this video. I latched on to Ventoux early in my wine journey because of the quality/price that's undeniable. Domaine Fondreche is a wonderful domaine. Their " Persia " is a little more expensive , but. wow!