Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and most important wine appellation in the southern Rhône. It is home to more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers; more wine is produced in Châteauneuf than the whole of the northern Rhône put together. The vineyards are bounded to the west by the Rhône river and to the east by the A7 autoroute.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the first ever Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée established in France, in 1932. Small, rounded rocks from the ancient river bed known as galets roulés are a key aspect of what makes Châteauneuf -du-Pape wines so distinctive, with the rocks reflecting heat back into the vines at night, thus increasing ripeness and reducing acidity.
The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several grape varieties. Fourteen are permitted for reds; Grenache typically dominates with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support.
Domaine Pierre Andre is a family-owned estate in the village of Courthezon, (between Orange and Avignon) in the region of the Controlled Appellation Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The terroir is much diversified: smooth stones, clay, sand and limestone. The climate is excellent for the vines: typically Mediterranean with the well-known wind “The Mistral” keeping the weather clear and sunny, thus reducing rainfalls and fogs. The estate is composed of 16 hectares in AOC Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Less than 1 hectare is dedicated to the white production.
The vineyard has been organically farmed since 1980; the first estate to initiate organic farming in the Appellation Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Since 1992, they have also been certified as Biodynamic. The cellars of the domaine are some of the cleanest in Chateauneuf. The cellar has been renovated recently and seems very well-equipped to make the best natural Chateauneuf.
On offer this week is the 2011 Domaine Pierre Andre Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I had the great pleasure of visiting the winery last October. I tasted four vintages: 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. They all share a common core of pure ripe fruit, with balanced acidity and fine-grained tannin that only old vines carefully managed can produce. This is an exceptionally well-made Chateauneuf-du-Pape from a good vintage.
The 2011 Domaine Pierre Andre Chateauneuf-du-Pape is available for immediate delivery. We only have 15 cases of this superb Chateauneuf-du-Pape available. To order please e-mail, call us at 416-463-4677, or use our online order form.
2011 Domaine Pierre Andre Chateauneuf-du-Pape
$76.20 btl / $457.20 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)
The wine is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 2% Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Picpoul and Vaccarese.
The nose is elegant and soft with an ethereal aroma of crushed red berries (raspberry, cranberry and strawberry), truffles, warmed white pepper and black licorice. The palate is soft and supple on the initial attack, but the rich ripe fruit builds and is well-framed by fine tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long and chewy.
Drink: Now – 2028+
Food Pairing: Enjoy with Cassoulet, braised beef or lamb, or anything with duck