Fine wine for Christmas – Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Decanter's tasting team picks five Châteauneufs across different prices for the table this festive season....
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the southern Rhône, derives from the French for ‘the Pope’s new castle’ and refers to the period between 1309 and 1378 when the seat of the Papacy was based in Avignon.
Although famous for allowing the use of up to 18 specified grape varieties, most red Châteauneuf is Grenache based which lends a deep colour, full structure, red and black fruit flavours, a rich texture and a high alcohol content.
Consider a Christmas Châteauneuf for a step up in quality from your ‘everyday’ wine at this special time of year, thanks to the high standards maintained in the region. At least some of your friends and family will be familiar with the name too – bonus points to the host…
Below, our tasting team has selected five wines at different prices to suit your pocket.
Christmas Châteauneuf
Updated 30/11/16
Related content:
Châteauneuf in the cellar
Thanksgiving survival guide
News: Game of Thrones wines
Cru Beaujolais to try
Clos des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France, 2014
Paul and Vincent Avril, a father and son team, established themselves as one of the finest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being predominantly Grenache, it is reminiscent of an elegant northern Rhône Syrah with the texture of a Pinot. With a medium bodied intensity, it has a beautiful red fruit expression with some savoury notes. Harmony, finesse and elegance are probably the three words that best describe this beauty. One for the cellar.
2014
Clos des PapesChâteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine Grand Veneur, Le Miocène, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France, 2014
White Châteauneuf is not that common, and if you can find this you’ll shock your friends in a blind tasting when they think it is white Burgundy. Made from a blend of Clairette and Roussanne, it is unoaked, so the lovely texture and weight comes purely from the ripe fruit. Mellow plums, stone fruit florals and creamy cashew notes abound, and there’s a refreshing streak of salinity along with the bright acidity to keep everything fresh.
2014
Domaine Grand VeneurChâteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine des Sénéchaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France, 2013
Big, bold and fleshy, this is exactly what you expect from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. From one of the oldest domaines in the region, which is now in the hands of The Cazes family who also own Château Lynch Bages in Pauillac. While it is powerful, it is showing fresh red fruit characters with a fine acidity which gives a great lift and energy to the wine.
2013
Domaine des SénéchauxChâteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine la Barroche, Signature, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France, 2011
Barroche are one of the new superstar producers in the area, thanks to positive changes in the winemaking and vineyards. Elegant black fruit aromas with the traditional garrigue intensity. Full bodied with a fine texture and lots of spice on the finish.
2011
Domaine la BarrocheChâteauneuf-du-Pape
Les Courlandes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France, 2015
Made by the Ogier family, this is a slightly lighter style and it doesn’t have the concentration of a textbook Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Instead, it is showing a pretty red cherry scent with some spicy and peppery notes. This must be the best value Châteauneuf on the market.
2015
Les CourlandesChâteauneuf-du-Pape
