Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini, Domaine de la Solitude, Rhône Valley

Tasting Note

A well textured, ripe and full-bodied wine with smooth and integrated tannins, delivering mineral, black fruits, mocha expresso and some smoke without over toasted oak.

Producer Note

The property has a glorious past. Wines have been made at this place for several hundred years. Often the owners have had a connection to the church. The three hats on the label refer to two bishops and a pope among the forefathers of the Lancon family. The first member of the family in France came from Italy in 1264 to serve the pope in Avignon. His name was Barberini - the name today of the special cuvées from the domain. Today the sons of Pierre Lancon, Jean and Michel Lancon, are in charge at the domain and Florent, Michel's son is responsible for the winemaking. The domain owns 38 ha. AOC Chateauneuf du Pape.

Vineyard

Harvested by hand, at the appropriate time for each grape variety to be at full maturity, based on grape tastings by their expert panel. The grape bunches are then carefully sorted to remove any unwanted fruit.

Winemaking

From a select 30 hectare parcel of land and made only in the best years. Grapes are hand harvested and selected in the vineyard. Thermo-regulated maceration for one month with daily pumping over. A pneumatic press is used with free run juice and press juice being vinified separately. Malolactic fermentation follows alcoholic fermentation. 60% of the wine matures for 12 months in new barriques followed by a 6 month rest in the blending tanks. The wines then stabilise for a further 6 months prior to release.

Serving Suggestion

Great with grilled red meat, mushroom sauce, roasted vegetables.

Grape

Grenache 70%, Syrah 20%, Mourvèdre 10%