Cotes du Rhone 'Les Vignes du Prince' Vielles Vignes, Rhône Valley

Producer Note

Created in 1924, the Cellier des Princes is the only cooperative cellar in the Châteauneuf du Pape area. The wines are a product of their forward-thinking environment and show strength, power, structure and richness as a result of the hot, dry climate and chalky, pebbled soils.

Vineyard

Sourced from various vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône appellation, the wine reflects its origins through the terroir in which the grapes are grown. The pebbly soils produce wines of strength and full body; the warm sandy soils deliver opulence and spice; the chalky sandstone soils offer structure to the palate; and the clayey siliceous soils impart richness.

Winemaking

The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented for six to eight days in concrete vats at controlled temperatures of between 27 to 32°C. Regular pumping over took place to aerate the wine imparting structure. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was then aged for six months in vats, resulting in a fruit driven wine.

Tasting Note

Full of juicy red-berried fruit interwoven with typical warm and savoury flavours from the Southern Rhône. Smooth and easy drinking with a supple structure, light tannins and a fruity finish.

Serving Suggestion

This versatile red accompanies a Sunday roast with all the trimmings; casseroles or cheese.

Grape

Grenache 80%, Mourvèdre 10%, Syrah 10%