Appellation: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Region: Southern Rhone Valley

Grape Varieties: Grenache Noir 60%, Syrah 15%, Mourvèdre 15%, Cinsault 10%

Vineyard: Château Maucoil's vineyards are located in the northwest of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape area, on the left bank of the Rhône River. This ideal location has allowed the estate to be entirely organic since 2011. The four grape varieties used in the wine come from the youngest vines on the estate, averaging 40 years old, and are grown on sandy and urgonian soil with pebbles. The yields are low, and harvesting is carried out by hand.

Winemaking: The grapes are sorted and placed into concrete tanks by grape variety and parcel. After 30 days in the vat, with pumping over, rack-and-return, and punching down the cap, the wine is aged in vats and barrels previously used for one vintage before being blended.

Tasting Notes: This wine has a deep ruby color, revealing a fine scent of beautiful black fruit and spicy notes. It is delightful and intense on the palate, with a lovely balance. From the moment it is bottled, the wine offers great elegance.

Food Pairing: Decanting is advisable if the wine is opened young (under 5 years) and it should be served at 60°-62°F. It is delicious with beef stew or mushroom risotto. The wine can be laid down for up to 10 years.

Ratings:

Vintage 2020: 94 points Wine Enthusiast & 90 points Jeb Dunnuck

Vintage 2016: 92 points Wine Spectator

www.chateau-maucoil.lavau.fr