A Carefully Curated Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the jewel in the crown of the southern side of the Rhône Valley, is one of the great AOCs, designated labels of origin, of France. This is a silky smooth wine, that can be made with as many as 13 grape varieties of the region including Grenache, Syrah and the elegant Mourvèdre. This is one of the noble French wines, robust, unusual unique, produced under strict quality controls in the area north of Avignon and south of Orange. It was in fact in the Châteauneuf that the strict laws for French appellation controlée or designated origin laws, were born in 1923. The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape refers to the new castle of the pope that was built in Avignon in the 14th century when Avignon was the seat of the Papacy. Although some very delicious white is produced, it is the red that is known throughout the world. Picturesque hills line the vineyards and round stones deposited there thousands of years ago lie scattered among the vineyards reflecting the sun, bringing maturity and natural sugar content to the grapes making for the power of this wine.

Today The Gourmet Gazette brings to you the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Barville 2016, complex, balanced, rich and produced in a limited quantity. The Grenache is dominant bringing with it notes of heath while the Syrah adds the spice and the Mourvèdre the sweet note of jam. This is a heady wine to be enjoyed with hearty food like game dishes, prime rib and strong cheeses. Châteauneuf-du-Papes are best in their tenth year but can be kept for up to two decades. The Domaine Barville 2016 is produced by the family house of Maison Brotte, with the fourth generation of the family, represented by Laurent Brotte, at the helm.
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
https://www.brotte.com/en/