Château de la Gardine red Châteauneuf du Pape 2021 75 cl

Description

Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red: a family tradition spanning several generations

Château de la Gardine is a family-owned estate deeply rooted in the history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Brunel family’s winemaking tradition dates back to the 17th century, and the estate is now run by Maxime and Patrick Brunel. Surrounding the estate, the vineyard covers 54 hectares, of which around 50 hectares are dedicated to red grape varieties. Château de la Gardine is also a member of the Vignerons Indépendants network, which highlights its family-run nature and its approach to winemaking, from tending the vines right through to the production of the wines.

The Tradition Rouge cuvée is one of the estate’s classic expressions. Its blend comprises 60 per cent Grenache, 20 per cent Syrah, 15 per cent Mourvèdre and 5 per cent Muscardin. The Grenache brings generosity and fruitiness, whilst the Syrah enhances the structure and spicy notes. The Mourvèdre contributes depth and complexity, whilst the Muscardin adds an extra touch of finesse.

The terroir plays a key role in the wine’s identity. The plots rest on a mosaic of soils typical of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: rounded pebbles from the Alpine Diluvium, Urgonian limestone, brown soils and safre. The pebbles provide body and structure, the limestone contributes to freshness and minerality, whilst the safre promotes finesse and elegance.

The grapes are harvested by hand into small crates. After rigorous sorting and destemming, the different grape varieties are blended before alcoholic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 9 to 14 months in vats and barrels. This method allows the complexity and depth of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape to develop whilst preserving its elegance.

On tasting, the purple colour with violet hues heralds an intense wine. The nose evokes black fruits, exotic spices, roasted notes, cocoa, black liquorice and violets. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lingering finish.