What better way to celebrate a federal holiday and a day off from work than to attend a tasting of selected Rhone wines from the 2010 vintage of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Joe Jensen, Partner at Compass Wines and Spirits, www.CompassWinesandSpirits.com, orchestrated the event at Benny’s Chop House in Chicago and John Junguenet, Importer and Distributor with Wines of France, Inc., www.winesoffranceinc.com, brought in this amazing group of French vineyard owners and winemakers to share their wines with the industry. A terrific website to check out is www.chateauneufdupape.ch which offers links to various wineries in the appellation.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the area, the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region is on the east bank of the Rhone River in France and is the largest of all the crus in the Rhone Valley. The soil tends to be covered with stones to retain the sun’s heat and warm the vineyard to aid the ripening process. Drought can be a problem because of the hot dry summers and the north winds known as the mistral can cause damage to the vineyards.
There is much diversity in the red wines of the region due to its size, wide range of soil types, aspects, and large number (thirteen) of grape varieties from which winemakers can choose. The main red varietals include Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Cinsault. They can be blended yet some amazing wines are made from 100% Grenache. A small amount of white Chateauneuf is made from Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc grapes. In 1936, Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the first Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) in France.
From the end of the harvest in 2009 until its 2010 close, 31 inches of rain had fallen when the average amount is 24 inches. However, almost none of the rain fell during the important months of July and August so thankfully, the warm temperatures and dry climate allowed the vines to catch up and mature. Although there was a storm at the beginning of the harvest in September, perfect weather occured through October. Winemakers were able to harvest at the latest possible date for red wines with depth, intense color, bright fruit notes, and balance and white wines with a freshness and taste.
The best red wines are full bodied, concentrated spice and fruit flavors which balance the high alcohol. So, what were among my favorite reds from the 2010 vintage?
***From Domaine Tour Saint-Michel, I loved the Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge “Feminessance” 2010. Not only were Mireille Fabre, winery owner and winemaker, and her husband two of the most informative and friendly people at the tasting, this wine was delicious. Blended with 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah grapes, the vines were seventy years old. The blend was stored in oak barrels, some of which were new, for one year.
***At the table of Clos des Brusquieres, I enjoyed their Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge “Tradition” 2010. The blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 9% Mourvedre, and 1% “others”, the color was deep and there were aromas of sweet spice, earth, and dark berry jam which carried to the palate. The high tannins, high acidity, and high alcohol led to a lingering finish.
***The winemakers of Bosquet des Papes offered a wonderful Chateauneuf-du-Pape “A La Gloire de Mon Grand-Pere” 2010 which was a nice surprise. Composed of 98% Grenache and 2% Clairette Rose, the taste was softer than I expected.
I started and ended the afternoon tasting a few white wines. Frankly, I just needed to lighten it up at the end after the copious amount of red wines enjoyed! And my favorite white wine was…
*** Chateau-Fortia (Propriete du Baron le Roy de Boiseaumarie) offered a refreshing Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc “Tradition” 2010 consisting of 60% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, and 10% Grenache Blanc. With aromas of honey and tastes of sweet spice, more honey, and earth, this was a unique taste which I loved. This wine is the only white produced at the Chateau and was fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the freshness.
So cheers to the 2010 vintage of Chateauneuf-du-Pape! And merci to the interesting and lovely representatives from France.
A Votre Sante! ~ Cindy
