February Cellar Selection

February, the month when Grenache and Syrah warm the winter evenings

In February, the vines are still in deep dormancy, it is the season of pruning, a delicate operation that largely determines the yield and quality of the coming vintage. Meanwhile, in the cellars of Avenue des Vins' partner estates, the wines of the Rhône Valley are completing their ageing, developing aromas of candied dark fruits, warm spices and garrigue. The February cave du mois pays tribute to them with a selection built around the emblematic duo of the South: Grenache, generous and full-bodied, and Syrah, peppery and deep.

Among the appellations to discover this month, Vinsobres, a southern Rhône cru located in the Drôme Provençale, awarded AOC status in 2006, produces age-worthy reds from Grenache and Syrah, more concentrated and structured than classic Côtes du Rhône. The Luberon, another elevated Rhône terroir, offers fresher, more mineral wines, reflecting its clay-limestone soils and cooler climate. Alongside them, two cuvées from Savoie Bugey, including a dry white Altesse de Montagnieu, bring freshness and finesse for fish and fondue pairings.

Valentine's Day, Candlemas: the right bottle for every February occasion

February gathers two unmissable convivial occasions. For Candlemas, a dry and aromatic white, Viognier from the Rhône or Altesse from Savoie, pairs naturally with savoury crêpes garnished with smoked salmon or fresh goat's cheese. For a Valentine's Day dinner, a spiced red based on Grenache and Syrah, served at 16–17°C, is a perfect match for sauced meat, duck breast with spices or a board of aged cheeses.

On Avenue des Vins, all these cuvées are available through direct producer sales, with a large share of certified organic estates. Every bottle is shipped by the winemaker personally from the cellar, full vintage traceability guaranteed, no middleman, at a fair producer price. To explore other expressions of these characterful red wines available on Avenue des Vins, discover our permanent selection.

FAQ: Cave du mois de février

What is Vinsobres and why is it such a confidential appellation ?

Vinsobres is a southern Rhône AOC located in the Drôme Provençale, which gained appellation status in 2006. It produces exclusively red wines from predominantly Grenache and Syrah, with a permitted proportion of accessory varieties. Its clay-limestone soils at altitude, between 200 and 500 metres, give its wines a freshness and structure that set them apart from classic Côtes du Rhône. It is one of the most qualitative crus of the southern Rhône, still largely unknown to the general public.

What is Viognier and how does it express itself in the Rhône Valley ?

Viognier is an aromatic white grape variety native to the northern Rhône, and the sole grape of the Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations. It is characterised by intense aromas of peach, apricot, acacia blossom and warm spices, with a supple texture and moderate acidity. In the southern Rhône, it is often blended with Roussanne or Clairette to add aromatic complexity. Best served cool (10–12°C) alongside fish in sauce, shellfish or cream-based poultry dishes.

Which wines should you choose for a Valentine's Day dinner ?

For a Valentine's Day dinner, two styles stand out: a spiced, velvety red based on Grenache and Syrah from the Rhône, for red meat or spiced duck breast, served between 16 and 17°C. Or a characterful sweet white, alongside a fruit-based dessert or pan-seared foie gras. The February cave du mois offers both registers, available through direct producer sales on Avenue des Vins.

Which wine should you serve with a Savoyard fondue or raclette ?

Tradition pairs Savoyard fondue with a dry Savoie white, Apremont, Roussette or Altesse, whose sharp acidity cleanses the palate between mouthfuls of melted cheese. Raclette also works very well with a light, low-tannin red such as Gamay or Pinot Noir served slightly cool. In the February cave du mois, the Savoie Bugey whites are perfectly suited to both dishes.

Why choose an organic wine in February through Avenue des Vins ?

Buying an organic wine through direct producer sales on Avenue des Vins means accessing certified cuvées produced without synthetic pesticides, with restrained yields and a respect for the soil that shows in the precision and honesty of the aromas. In winter, organic wines often stand out for their natural vivacity and balance, an ideal profile for the season's food pairings. Every bottle is shipped directly by the producing estate, guaranteeing vintage freshness and full traceability.