April 13, 2022
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Southern Rhône. It is one of the oldest wine appellations in France. The name translates to “new castle of the Pope” referencing when Avignon was the seat of Roman Catholic church under Pope Clemens V. Steeped in a rich history, wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape are made from a blend of the approved 18 Rhône varieties. The red wines are dominated by Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre supporting to make the classic Rhône-blend but lately more single varietal Grenache wines are coming to market.
Common flavors for wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape are plums, raspberry, and blackberry with secondary flavors of white pepper and mineral tones like saline. The prestigious red wines are built to last, with bright fruit flavor and ample acidity in their youth they can be laid down in the cellar for decades.
Here are 10 wines that are great now or to hold onto for another day.
Domaine Jean Royer 2019 Les Sables de la Crau Grenache (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Rating: 94 points
There’s a distinct perfume and delicacy of texture to Châteauneuf-du-Pape sourced from les sables, the region’s famed sandy soils, and this bright-fruited, satiny red is no exception. Bold in concentration and primary in raspberry and red-plum flavors, it’s an elegant Grenache marked by feathery tannins and a thrilling lift of minerality. Delicious now, the wine should drink well through 2030 at least – ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA
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