Passe Colline (2022) - Artisans Vignerons

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In the heart of the Rhône, at the foot of the mighty Mont Ventoux, the Artisans Vignerons winery has created "Passe Colline", a wine that tells stories of passion and tradition. The Ventoux AOP appellation, often overlooked next to its more famous neighbours, hides a fascinating secret: here, in 1889, a group of local growers came together to protect their vineyards from phylloxera, forming one of the first wine cooperatives in France. That spirit of cooperation and resilience lives on in wines such as "Passe Colline", which celebrates the legacy of those pioneers.

Passe Colline (2022) - Artisans Vignerons

Type: Red Wine

Area: France, Rhône, Ventoux

Appellation: Ventoux AOP

Grape variety: Syrah, Grenache

Vintage: 2022

Winery: Artisans Vignerons

Alcohol: 13.5%

The appellation: Ventoux AOP

Ventoux AOP is a protected designation of origin that represents an important piece of French viticulture, set in the Provence region. This area, marked by a Mediterranean climate and varied soils, offers ideal conditions for growing a range of grape varieties, giving rise to wines of great personality and quality.

What to eat with Passe Colline

Who makes it: Artisans Vignerons

Artisans Vignerons is a project that brings together passion and tradition, dedicated to producing high-quality wines. This winery stands out for its attention to detail and its respect for the land, making wines that tell the story and culture of the regions where they are produced.Their philosophy is based on the idea of championing the authenticity and uniqueness of every wine. The mission of Artisans Vignerons is clear: Authenticity, the genuine expression of terroir, is at the heart of their production. Innovation, combining tradition and modernity, to create unique and memorable wines. Sustainability, environmentally respectful practices, are an integral part of their production process. Conviviality: wines made to be shared and enjoyed in company.

The vine of Passe Colline

Syrah

Syrah is one of the most iconic and widely admired black grape varieties in the world, known for intense, structured reds with plenty of character. Native to the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah has spread to vineyards everywhere thanks to its remarkable versatility and its ability to adapt to different terroirs. Wines made from Syrah stand out for their fruity, spicy aromas and their great longevity.

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Grenache

Grenache (also known as Garnacha in Spain) is one of the most widely planted black grape varieties in the world, probably native to north-eastern Spain and widespread in southern France, where it plays a key role in the blends of the southern Rhône, as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. It is a versatile grape, capable of producing fruity, warm red wines, fragrant and fresh rosés, and also naturally sweet wines (VDN). A late-ripening variety, Grenache loves warm, sunny climates and is at its best on poor, stony soils. Grenache wines are recognisable for their notes of ripe red fruit, sweet spices and a pleasant roundness on the palate, with soft tannins and often high alcohol.

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Passe Colline: the Ventoux area

Ventoux

Ventoux is a wine region of great prestige in the south of France, with a varied landscape and a climate that suits viticulture. This area is known for its high-quality wines, which reflect the unique terroir and the local traditions. Mont Ventoux, which dominates the scenery, has a marked influence on the microclimate of the region, creating ideal conditions for the vines to grow.

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Passe Colline

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Spices

Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs

Tasting notes: A wine with notes of red fruit and spice, typical of the Ventoux region, with a good balance between acidity and tannins.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Balanced
Acidity	Medium
Tannin	Medium
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Media
Colour	Ruby red
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Passe Colline

Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas

Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness. What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel Winemaking Preserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product. Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling. Characteristics of the Resulting Wines Colour Whites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency. Aromas Fruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs. Taste Fresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally. Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape Varieties Vermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Black Grape Varieties Pinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés. Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.

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Ageing methods used for Passe Colline

In stainless steel

Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.

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Time on the lees for Passe Colline

No contact with the lees