Clos des Papes | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC | 2021 | 750ml

Description

Product description for Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC 2021

Wine Information

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, along with small portions of all other grape varieties permitted in the C9dP, although the Grenache and Mourvèdre share was higher than usual in 2021. The yield was just 16 hl/ha, less than half the AOC limit of 35 hl/ha—which is already low. Add to that the weather: “In six vintages, I lost the equivalent of two. In ’17, rot, -40%. In ’18, mildew, -70%. ’19 and ’20 were good. In ’21, almost 40% loss due to frost. In ’22, hail, -40%.” The grapes were destemmed and subjected to a one-day cold pre-fermentation. The grapes were then spontaneously fermented without pigeage in a cement cuvée, followed by two weeks of fermentation. The wine then remained in tanks for malolactic fermentation and was finally racked with the fine lees into large foudres, where it was allowed to age for another 12 months.

Colour

Transparent garnet red

Nose

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 appears refined, elegant, and fine on the nose. It smells of violets and roses, cherries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and plums. Added to this are some garrigue, licorice, a hint of pepper, and a cool, stony note. The finesse here is truly impressive.

Palate

That this is nevertheless a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is evident on the palate, where coolness and finesse meet and mingle with a pleasant warmth. It tastes of the aforementioned fruits with a distinct touch of licorice and a touch of truffle; the cherry is more present here, as is the plum. Everything is superbly interwoven, appearing fine and elegant despite its power, as well as aromatic and silky. Certainly one of the outstanding wines of the vintage in the southern Rhône.

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Keywords: Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC 2021 Southern-Rhône France

Producer website: https://www.clos-des-papes.fr/