Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge Chateauneuf du Pape AOC 2017

The story :
Château de Beaucastel has long been regarded as one of the greatest wines in France. It is notorious for its elegance, balance and ageing potential. Beaucastel has an exceptional terroir at the Northern limit of Châteauneuf du Pape, exposed to the Mistral wind. All thirteen varieties of the appellation have been organically grown since the sixties.

The vintage :
This 2017 vintage will be remembered as the year of all records: the driest year in 30 years, non-interventionist vineyard work, optimal harvest conditions, a very small yield due to climatic hazards, and wines with very rich potential.

Terroir :
Château de Beaucastel is 110 hectares, with one single plot at the north of the appellation. The terroir is archetypal of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf: rolled pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone deeper down. The vines are old and have been organically grown for 50 years, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionally deep.
Beaucastel grows all thirteen grape varieties authorized by the appellation.

Ageing :
Each variety is harvested separately and manually. Vinification takes place in oak fermenters for the reductive varieties (Mourvèdre, Syrah) and in traditional enameled concrete tanks for the Oxidative grapes (all the others). Once the malolactic fermentation is finished, the Famille Perrin blends the different varieties. The blend is then aged in oak Foudres for a year before being bottled.

Tasting notes :
The 2017 vintage has a deep color. The pure and elegant nose suggests cherries, blackcurrants, spices, with floral notes, aromatic herbs (Bayleaf) and chocolate. The mouth is elegant, the tannins are ripe and fine, beautifully dense and concentrated structure, a seductive velvety texture enhanced with finely spicy fruit. The finish is long, held by elegant and coated tannins, harmonious and very persistent (fruit, spice, floral notes). A great vintage!