Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the great noble wines of France enjoys exceptional growing conditions: round stones lie everywhere among the vines reflecting the sun, enabling the grapes to become rich, mature and naturally flavor-filled. So in a recent Gourmet Gazette fine wine find we bring you not a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but rather two modestly-priced, delicious wines made in the region by one of the great Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers and the only cooperative to produce the noble wine: Le Cellier des Princes. We tasted a Syrah and a Chardonnay Viognier from the cooperative’s Cellier des Princes collection of IGP wines. The IGP label is the French acronym for PGI, signifying a Protected Geographical Indication. The Chardonnay Viognier IGP Méditerranée proved to be a great aromatic adventure thanks to its grape varieties, two of the most fragrant in the land, blended evenly at 50% for each. It was fruity and floral, almost unctuous. This is a perfect aperitif wine and should be served very well chilled. Meanwhile the ruby red almost purple Syrah IGP Vaucluse, as its name implies, is made from 100% Syrah grapes and it is pungent yet supple and fruity. It is best served with roast meats or strong cheeses. We enjoyed it with a garlic roast pork. Méditerranée and Vaucluse are two of the six PGIs identified by region in France. The grapes for both the wines are grown in the good earth around Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Cellier des Princes cooperative has been producing Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines since 1925 and it is the largest producer of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. The cooperative is made up of 116 members and spread out over 600 hectares of vineyards including a good proportion of old growth Grenache vines. Cellier des Princes produces myriad wines from the region available to any and all budgets, big or small. In addition to Châteauneuf du Pape, Cellier des Princes also produces and markets Cairanne, Vacqueyras and Gigondas, as well as Côtes du Rhône Villages, Ventoux and Côtes du Rhône PDOs (Designated Label of Origin), and PGI wines from the Principality of Orange, Vaucluse and the Mediterranean. The cultivation methods are inspired by those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, so most of the Côtes du Rhônes are harvested by hand and the cooperative is committed to sustainable development techniques. You can book tastings, food and wine pairings and picnics at the cooperative and enjoy an art exhibition in the cellars. Reservations are required. ©Trish Valicenti The Gourmet Gazette. https://boutique.cellierdesprinces.com/