This beautiful White Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de Beaurenard a 7 Generation vineyard in Southern Rhone, France is very unique and special as the region only produces 7% of white wines.
I could place this one among my favorite white wines of the moment. It has a very elegant balance of flavors like peaches, honey and roaster pecans still keeping a nice refreshing zest of citrus blossoms. Its complex as you can still savor its smooth finish dissolving slowly in the mouth.
It would pair nicely with a seafood salad, a grilled light fish with a pesto pasta or some butter seared scallops with garlic mash potatoes or cilantro rise.
You can drink it by itself on a Sunday afternoon (or any afternoon) or in this case during a beautiful sunset by the water.
Grape Varieties: A “blanc de blancs” wine. It only uses white grapes with a blend of 30% Clairette, for floral aromas and finesse; 20% Grenache Blanc, for structure and creaminess; 25% Bourboulenc, which provides precious acidity to give a desirably nervy style; 22% Roussane, a highly aromatic variety (apricots especially) and 3% Picpoul and Picardan
Production: They are hand harvested, allowing the picker to select the best of the best grapes which then go thru a pneumatically (bladder) pressed that will extract the juice in a gently and low-pressure manner.
The fermentation will take place at low temperature, enhancing the fruitiness aromas and flavors. It does not go thru malolactic fermentation, but sits in fine lees for several months before being bottled.
Tasting Notes: Bright yellow with a light green hue. On the nose you can feel peach, yellow pears, some citrus blossoms, honey and roasted almonds/pecans. On the palate, the peach intensifies with the honey and the roasted nuts. Some minerality is present.
A dry wine with a medium acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium body with a long refreshing finish and very complex.
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region: Southern Rhone
Appellation: Chateauneuf du Pape
Grape Varietal: White Rhone Blend
Other ratings
Wine Advocate 91 points (Oct 2016)
Vinous 90 points (Jun 2017)
Wine Spectator 91 points (Nov 9 2016)
Where to buy it locally – N/A
Where to buy it online – N/A
Average price $44
Technical information from: Domaine de Beaurenard
Journey Thru Flavors 