Introduction:
The 2022 Famille Arnaud – Joséphine Côtes du Rhône is a lively and inviting red from the Southern Rhône Valley. It strikes a fine balance—fruit‑driven yet grounded in regional character—and is adept at delivering both everyday pleasure and food‑friendly sophistication.

Terroir:
Harvested in the Southern Rhône region, the vineyards enjoy generous sunshine, warm Mediterranean conditions, and cooling breezes such as the mistral that help maintain freshness. Soils tend to be well‑draining and varied—often a mix of gravel and limestone—providing good ripeness while preserving a sense of minerality and lift.

Appearance:
In the glass the wine presents a bright ruby to crimson hue, indicating youthful vigor. The color depth hints at substantial fruit concentration without veering into opulence—suggestive of a medium‑bodied red with presence.

Nose:
The aromatics are expressive and appealing: ripe raspberries, red cherries, and brambly dark fruit, layered with savory herbal notes, earthiness, and a touch of wet-stone minerality. A subtle suggestion of woodsmoke or char may emerge—adding complexity without dominating the core fruit.

Palate:
On the palate the wine unfolds with smooth, accessible red and dark fruit—cherry, berry, light plum—balanced by herb‑driven undertones and fine tannins. The acidity is lively without being piercing, giving it a refreshing frame. The overall structure is modest but very good for the price point: approachable now, with enough balance to handle short‑term cellaring.

Finish:
The finish is clean and enduring, carrying the fruit and herbal tones through with a subtle mineral tail. Tannins remain softly tactile rather than grainy, and the final impression is one of easy elegance rather than aggressive intensity.

Overall Impression:
This 2022 Joséphine delivers well above what one might expect at its price. With lively fruit, herbal nuance, good acidity, and a tidy structure, it captures the varietal and regional signature of the Southern Rhône in an accessible form. A versatile wine: confident enough to pair with hearty dishes, relaxed enough for casual sipping. In short, a very strong everyday Rhône red.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Meat dish: Grilled flank steak with rosemary‑garlic butter or a slow‑roasted leg of lamb with Provençal herbs — the wine’s bright fruit and savory herbal edge will align superbly.

• Vegetarian option: Roasted pepper and eggplant ratatouille served with a warm baguette, or a rustic lentil and mushroom cassoulet — the herbal and earth tones in the wine will mirror the dish’s depth.

• Cheese pairing: A semi‑hard cheese like aged Gouda or a mellow Tomme de Savoie — the wine’s fruit and mild tannins complement the cheese’s nutty, savory profile without overwhelming it.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Famille Arnaud
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Southern Rhône Valley
Grape Varietals: Syrah, Grenache
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry red; vivid, fruit‑driven with herbal and mineral undertones. Medium body.
Winemaking Techniques: Fermentation and aging in stainless steel and concrete tanks to preserve freshness and varietal clarity
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Standard glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork