Joseph Phelps Vineyards: What is Vin du Mistral?; What is Le Mistral?

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WHAT IS LE MISTRAL?

Le Mistral is a blend which includes the major grape varieties, or cépages, that have been grown in the southern Rhône Valley for centuries. These include (but are not limited to), Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignane. The region most famous for these blends acquired its name in the 1400's, when one of the Avignon popes built his summer castle in a village that would come to be known as Châteauneuf-du-Pape (new castle of the pope). Even back then it was understood that the wines from this region, blended from several ancient grape varieties, were dependent for their quality on the exceptional terroir.

Jean Pierre Perrin, proprietor of Chateau Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, explains that the planting of different varietals was linked to climatic considerations.

"If Châteauneuf-du-Pape [a region with a hot, dry summer] were planted with one variety, wines would more likely have either excess alcohol, or a lack of acidity or too much tannin . . . when the vintner was unable to harvest at optimum maturity. When we blend several varieties, the quality of one compensates for the drawbacks of another. This has been acknowledged throughout the ages."

In California, the custom of blending grapes to produce a more harmonious wine has been in practice since the late 1800's. Many of the Rhône varieties making a comeback today were widely planted throughout the state during that time - particularly Carignane and Grenache - and still comprise a major portion of California's grape acreage. We believe there are remarkable similarities between California's wine growing regions and the Southern Rhône Valley of France, and that Le Mistral - an intriguing and delicious alternative to some of the more popular red varietals - combines the best of both.

"1991 International Colloquium on Rhône Varietals," translated and transcribed by the Monterey Institute of International Studies, (California), and Jean and Anne Waddier (New York), 1991. Page 125.