Plan de Dieu ("God's Plain") is one of the Rhône's finest Villages appellations, and this wine shows why. Grenache-dominant with typical Southern Rhône generosity—ripe fruit, garrigue herbs, and warming alcohol. Perfect for winter evenings and hearty dishes.
Inky, youthful colour showing concentration and warmth. The purple rim suggests relative youth and good fruit intensity.
Exuberantly Southern Rhône. Sun-baked red and black fruits dominate—ripe raspberry, cherry, and blackberry, with an almost kirsch-like sweetness. The garrigue is present and correct: wild thyme, dried lavender, and rosemary evoke Provence's scrubland. Subtle pepper and spice from Syrah add complexity. Warming, generous, and thoroughly Mediterranean. A slight earthy note develops with air.
Intensity: Pronounced | Condition: Clean, youthful
None — this wine is best enjoyed young
Flavour profile: Red and black berries, garrigue herbs, black pepper, hints of chocolate and spice
Finish: Long, warm finish with persistent fruit and herbal notes
Plan de Dieu sits on a plateau between Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, at 100-150m elevation. The flat terrain receives intense Provençal sunshine while the mistral wind keeps vines healthy. The name "God's Plain" reflects the region's historical importance to the medieval church.
The famous galets roulés (rounded river stones) are smaller here than in Châteauneuf-du-Pape but serve the same purpose: absorbing daytime heat and radiating it at night, helping grapes ripen fully. Red clay provides excellent water retention for the hot, dry summers. Sandy patches add finesse. This terroir produces powerful but approachable wines.
The significant diurnal shift is amplified by the flat, exposed terrain. Hot days build sugar and flavour concentration, while cool nights preserve acidity—essential given the naturally high alcohol levels. The mistral wind provides additional cooling and reduces disease pressure.
Destemmed fermentation in concrete tanks. Temperature control to preserve fruit. Extended maceration (2-3 weeks) for colour and tannin extraction. Ageing in a mix of concrete and older oak barrels (no new oak) to respect fruit character. Grenache-dominant blends with Syrah for structure and Mourvèdre for complexity.
Philosophy: Expressing the generosity of the terroir without over-extraction
Domaine de l'Espigouette is a family estate based in the village of Violès, in the heart of the Plan de Dieu appellation. The domaine has been cultivating wines in this area for generations, building an intimate knowledge of the local terroirs. Espigouette refers to a traditional Provençal grain-measuring tool, connecting the estate to the region's agricultural heritage.
Latour family
The domaine practices sustainable viticulture, believing that healthy vineyards produce the best fruit. Winemaking focuses on expressing the character of Plan de Dieu—rich, generous wines with the unmistakable stamp of the Southern Rhône. They aim for approachability while maintaining aging potential.
Notable: Plan de Dieu was promoted to full Côtes du Rhône Villages status in 2005, recognition of the terroir's quality.