Viniou Reviews
The 2017 Château Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée Hommage à Jacques Perrin" is a prestigious red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley. This wine showcases a magnificent blend that typically includes Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other traditional Rhône varietals. The 2017 vintage, known for its early harvest due to a warm growing season, has resulted in wines with great concentration and structure. The vineyards are cultivated using biodynamic practices, promoting biodiversity and sustainability, which enhances the soil's natural vitality. Winemaking at Château Beaucastel tends to emphasize minimal intervention, allowing the terroir's expression to shine through, often with a lengthy ageing process to develop complexity.
The Rhône Valley, with its Mediterranean climate, boasts hot, dry summers and mild winters. This region's terroir consists of the iconic galets roulés—large round stones that heat up during the day and release warmth at night, aiding in the ripening of grapes. The history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is as rich as its wines; papal influence in the 14th century helped establish the area's illustrious reputation.
When it comes to pairing, this robust red wine shines alongside hearty dishes. Traditional French fare like coq au vin or roasted lamb with herbs is ideal. The wine's depth and spicy undertones complement Provençal cuisine, such as ratatouille or daube de boeuf. If exploring international flavours, consider pairing it with Moroccan tagine or slow-cooked beef brisket.
For optimal enjoyment, this wine should be served at a temperature of 16-18°C. It's advisable to decant it for about an hour before serving to allow the wine to open up, releasing its full aromatic bouquet and revealing its layers of fruit, spice, and earth.
