Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC 2021

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape that translates its power into finesse: even the nose comes across as refined and elegant, while the palate brings together cool clarity and comforting warmth. Dry, 15.0% ABV.

The Avril family has lived in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 1700s and has run the estate since 1896. Vincent Avril now farms 32 hectares. The eponymous Clos des Papes parcel lies near the ruins of the Popes' castle, enclosed by historic walls. The galets, round pebbles, store heat during the day and release it to the vines at night.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre together with small proportions of all the other varieties permitted within the appellation; in 2021 the shares of Grenache and Mourvèdre were higher than usual. Frost cost almost 40 percent of the harvest, with the yield remaining at 16 hl/ha, less than half of the AOC's stipulated limit of 35 hl/ha. The grapes were destemmed, given a day of cool pre-fermentation, and fermented spontaneously in concrete tank without pigeage over two weeks. Malolactic fermentation also took place in tank, after which the wine spent 12 months on the fine lees in large foudres. The estate works exclusively with old foudres of 20 to 55 hectolitres, with no new oak.

Cherry and plum stand out, joined by liquorice and a touch of truffle. Everything is interwoven, silky and aromatic.

With duck breast with creamy potatoes and porcini, herbes de Provence, with wild boar goulash with potatoes, or with moussaka.

Vincent Avril calls elegance his guiding principle and deliberately produces just one red and one white cuvée. Full destemming has been standard since 1991, and the corks have come from the same Portuguese producer since 1926. One of the standout wines of the vintage in the southern Rhône.