Arcane l'Empereur is a red produced by Xavier Vignon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France. Made from Grenache, Counoise, Terret Noir, Piquepoul Noir and Roussanne. Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 1 vintage; members see when it is ready. Track this wine and manage your cellar with Cellarion — the free, open-source wine app at cellarion.app.
Type: Red
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Region: Rhône Valley
Country: France
Grapes: Grenache, Counoise, Terret Noir, Piquepoul Noir, Roussanne
Tasting profile
Structure: full-bodied, medium tannin, medium acidity, dry
L'Empereur is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape of Xavier Vignon's Arcane series, cuvées named after the cards of the tarot. Around four-fifths Grenache, completed by old-vine Counoise, Terret Noir, Picpoul Noir and a little white Roussanne, drawn from fifteen parcels across galets roulés, limestone and clay, and raised in a mix of large oak, concrete and tank. Kirsch and raspberry with garrigue, white pepper and liquorice. Full-bodied with creamy, ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a long peppery finish.
Serving: Serve at 16–18 °C.
When to drink
Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 1 vintage of Arcane l'Empereur. Sign up free to see when it is ready.
Where it comes from
Rhône Valley, France
Rhône Valley (Vallée du Rhône) follows the Rhône river through southeastern France and splits into two distinct halves with very different personalities.
Grenache
Grenache is a red grape that originated in the Aragón region of Spain, where it is called Garnacha, and it is widely grown across the Mediterranean.
Counoise
Counoise is a red grape of the southern Rhône in France, best known as a supporting player in blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape rather than as a solo star.
Terret Noir
Terret Noir is a red grape from the Languedoc in southern France, and one of the old traditional varieties permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Piquepoul Noir
Picpoul Noir is a red-berried grape of southern France, the dark-skinned counterpart to the better-known white Piquepoul used in Picpoul de Pinet.
More wines
From Xavier Vignon
- Arcane La Force — Xavier Vignon, Ventoux
- Arcane Le Valet d’Épée — Xavier Vignon, Côtes du Rhône
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape — Xavier Vignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Bio — Xavier Vignon, Côtes du Rhône
- Le Bateleur — Xavier Vignon, Rasteau
- Lirac — Xavier Vignon, Lirac
More red wines from Rhône Valley
- Château de Beaucastel — Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Cairanne — Domaine Richaud, Cairanne
- 1753 Syrah Grenache — Campuget, Costières de Nîmes
- Alliance — Domaine Les Cadinières, Côtes du Rhône
Frequently asked questions
Where is Arcane l'Empereur from?
Arcane l'Empereur is produced by Xavier Vignon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France.
What grapes are in Arcane l'Empereur?
Arcane l'Empereur is a blend of Grenache, Counoise, Terret Noir, Piquepoul Noir and Roussanne.