Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is an exquisite wine produced by Maison M. Chapoutier, a renowned winery with a long-standing reputation for crafting exceptional wines.
Maison M. Chapoutier is a historic winery established in 1808 and is widely regarded as one of the finest producers in the Rhône Valley. The Chapoutier family has been dedicated to crafting exceptional wines for generations, with a strong commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. They emphasise the expression of terroir, allowing the characteristics of each vineyard site to shine through in their wines. Maison M. Chapoutier’s meticulous winemaking practices and unwavering pursuit of excellence have earned them numerous accolades and a global reputation for producing top-quality wines.
THE REGION
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a world-renowned wine appellation located in the southern Rhône Valley of France. It is known for its ancient viticultural heritage, as it was one of the first appellations in France to receive official recognition in 1936. The region is characterised by its distinct terroir, featuring a combination of well-drained sandy soils, large rounded stones (galets), and a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. These unique conditions contribute to the production of wines with exceptional depth, complexity, and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are highly regarded for their exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics. The region’s wines are typically blended using up to 13 permitted grape varieties, both red and white. The most prominent red grape varieties include Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This diverse blend adds complexity, depth, and a wide range of flavours to the wines.
The galets, large rounded stones found in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, play a crucial role in the region’s winemaking. They absorb heat during the day and radiate it back to the vines at night, aiding in grape ripening. The stones also act as a natural filter, retaining moisture in the soil and protecting the vines from drought. Additionally, the specific terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape contributes to the wines’ distinct character, with nuances of herbs, spices, and garrigue (wild Mediterranean scrubland).
IN THE GLASS
Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for its complexity and ability to age gracefully. The diverse blend of grape varieties, coupled with the region’s terroir, and producer’s skills, result in a wine with layers of flavours and aromas. With time, they develop even greater complexity, offering rich tertiary characteristics such as leather, truffle, and dried fruits. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth but also have remarkable ageing potential, often improving over several decades.
The palate is rich and velvety, with a full-bodied structure that is balanced by well-integrated tannins. Flavours of black cherries, blackcurrants, and raspberries mingle harmoniously, offering a luscious and concentrated fruit profile. Layers of complexity unfold with nuances of liquorice, cocoa, and a touch of smokiness.
This wine showcases a remarkable sense of place, as the terroir-driven characteristics shine through. The galets contribute to a unique minerality, while the warm Mediterranean climate imparts a subtle hint of garrigue, infusing the wine with flavours of thyme, rosemary, and wild herbs.
The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of ripe fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness. Chapoutier La Bernadine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge exhibits exceptional balance and elegance, with a seamless integration of fruit, tannins, and acidity.
Food pairing suggestion: Tuna fish Carpaccio.
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