A.O.C. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, France - 94 PARKER. 80% Garnacha, 6% Syrah, 4% Monastrel and 10% of other varieties allowed in the AOC. Typical soils of the south of the rhone with a lot of Galet (boulder), clay, limestone and sands. Fermentation with whole vintage, indigenous yeasts and aging of 24 months in old oak. One of our favorite producers.
Châteauneuf du Pape Domaine du Pégau Red Cuvée Réservée
Grape varieties:
80% Grenache
6% Syrah
4% Mourvèdre
10% other grappes varieties permitted in the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC.
Soils :
Mostly covered by stones, mixed clays, chalk and sand.
Winemaking :
The bunches of grapes are carefully hand-picked and there is a strict selection of grapes from the picking basket, tractor and tank. No de-stemming takes place and the blend of 13 grape varieties are gently crushed before fermentation takes place for ten days in a cement vat. No yeasts are added and there is no temperature control in this natural process. An absolute minimum amount of tartric acid and sulphites are added. After pressing, the wine is aged for 2 years in selected large old oak barrels.
Tasting:
Colour : Dark red with a purple body.
Nose : Black ripe fruits like morello cherries and raspberries, juniper berries, black pepper and garrigue. After several years ageing, the aromas will be characterised by plums, dried stone fruits, leather, fur, and sandalwood.
Mouth: Round, rich and powerful with soft tannins. With time, it will involve into a more complex and spicy wine.
Storage :
Drink the year following bottling or age from 5 to 20 years.
Food pairings :
Red grilled meat, lamb shoulder with thyme and dishes of tapas and curry.
Serving temperature : 16°C and let it breathe.
