Viniou Reviews
Château Beaucastel 2017 is a prestigious red wine from the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in the southern Rhône Valley. This iconic estate is famed for its traditional blend, masterfully incorporating all 13 permitted grape varieties, with Grenache and Mourvèdre often taking centre stage, complemented by Syrah, Counoise, and several others. The 2017 vintage is known for its concentration and ripeness, shaped by a warm, dry growing season that encouraged optimal maturity. Vinification at Beaucastel embraces both tradition and biodynamics, with careful sorting of grapes, fermentation in both wood and stainless steel, and ageing in large oak foudres. This approach preserves the wine’s natural balance and allows the expression of both fruit and terroir.
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation lies in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate with warm summers, abundant sunshine, and the influential Mistral wind, which dries the vines and helps prevent disease. The terroir here is exceptional, marked by the distinctive galets roulés—large rounded pebbles that cover the vineyards, storing heat throughout the day and releasing it at night to assist ripening. The soils are a complex mix of clay, limestone, and sand, providing the structure and depth typical of great Rhône reds. Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a storied history, being the first AOC established in France and synonymous with bold, age-worthy wines.
For food pairings, Château Beaucastel 2017’s opulent structure and earthy notes make it a wonderful companion to roasted game, lamb with Provençal herbs, or duck breast with a fig reduction. Its spice and depth also marry beautifully with regional dishes such as daube provençale, grilled vegetables, and robust ratatouille. Hard cheeses like aged Comté or Beaufort complement its savoury character.
To fully appreciate its complexity, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting an hour prior to serving is recommended, especially at this stage of its evolution, to allow its aromas of dark fruits, garrigue, and savoury undertones to fully blossom. This 2017 will reward cellaring, continuing to gain nuance and harmony with age.
