2023 Stephane Usseglio Vin de France Amandier Rouge, Rhone Valley

Stéphane Usseglio is part of the renowned Usseglio family, which has been producing wine in the Rhône Valley for generations. With a deep-rooted passion for winemaking and a commitment to quality, Stéphane took over the family estate and introduced his own style, focusing on the distinctive terroir of the region and blending traditional Rhône varietals to create wines that reflect both the region’s heritage and modern winemaking techniques. The Amandier Rouge is a result of Stéphane's meticulous approach to blending and his ability to extract the essence of the vineyards he works with.

On the palate, the Amandier Rouge is smooth and full-bodied, with balanced tannins and bright acidity that enhances its fresh fruit character. The oak aging contributes a touch of vanilla and spice, providing an additional layer of complexity. The wine is structured but approachable, with a long finish that highlights its fruity and spicy elements. It’s a wine that showcases the rich, ripe character of Grenache while maintaining freshness and elegance.

With 24 hectares of vineyards, Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils is one of the top wineries among the Châteauneuf-du-Pape crus. The winery was founded by Francis Usseglio, an Italian who set up his own winemaking production here, probably inspired by wine traditions from his home country. It was not until 1963 that Francis' son, Raymond Usseglio started to produce wines under the winery's present name. Decades later, run now by Raymond and his son, Stephane, their wines have become some of the most sought-after from this appellation.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils cultivate their hundred-year-old vines following biodynamic guidelines, with the utmost respect for the soil and the plants, and minimizing interventions in the winemaking process. As a result, the wines express their terroir and are a reflection of the complexity of the diverse soils found there. Their wines keep getting better, year after year, and are proof that top quality fruit leads to an excellent wine.

Domaine Usseglio wines obtain excellent ratings from Robert Parker and are increasingly in demand, yet their excellent value for money means they are affordable by a wide range of wine-lovers.