CHÂTEAU DE VAUDIEU - CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2020 'GRAND VIN'

Southern Rhone, France

Grape: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Rating: Vivino 4.2/5 (6500 ratings)

Tasting Notes: This wine is dark ruby red in colour. Intense aromas of strawberry jam, ripe raspberry, and white pepper entice on the nose. Lively acidity and supple tannins frame the juicy fruit core. The finish is long and complex, with subtle notes of graphite and cocoa.

Producer: The Château de Vaudieu, an 18th-century historic estate located in the stunning region around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has been with the Bréchet family for over five decades. Laurent Bréchet, the founder's grandson, is in charge of the estate. The name ‘Vaudieu’ is derived from ‘Vallée de Dieu’, meaning ‘Valley of God’, a nod to the area's picturesque landscape.

The estate boasts 70 hectares of vineyards, with 60 hectares dedicated to red grape varieties. These vineyards are in prime locations east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, next to the renowned Château Rayas. The estate has identified 23 distinct plots, each harvested when the grapes have reached perfect maturity. The diverse soils range from sandy to limestone and are scattered with ‘galets roulés’ (large, rounded stones), contributing to the complexity and variety of the wines. The sandier soils enhance the wine's aromatic elegance, while the ‘galets’ impart power and intensity.

Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc comprises 52% Grenache Blanc, 27% Clairette, and 21% Roussanne, coming from the estate's finest plots. Half of this blend is aged in used oak barrels for eight months, adding complexity and roundness. This white wine is known for its textured palate, almond and ripe stone fruit flavours, and pronounced mineral finish. Special white wines like Les Vieilles Roussanne and Clos de Belvédère are noted for their exceptional ageing potential. They offer a balance of discreet oak, vibrant fruit, refreshing salinity, lively acidity, and rich texture.

‘Closerie de Vaudieu’, the estate's second label, is a red blend of 64% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, showcasing lively berry aromas, ripe tannins, and flavours of cherry, cassis, and herbs. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge ‘Grand Vin’ combines 58% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 11% Mourvèdre, and 6% Cinsault from top plots. After ageing in used oak barrels for 12 months, this wine exhibits a rich complexity and a powerful, layered profile.

ABV: 15%

Vol: 75cl 

Contains Sulphite