La Ferme du Mont “Cuvée Vendange” 2021 originates from the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the southern Rhône Valley. This red wine reflects the typical profile of the region, often shaped by a blend where Grenache dominates, with supporting roles from varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2021 vintage saw milder temperatures and some rainfall during the growing season, encouraging balanced ripening and a vibrant fruit profile. Winemaking here often respects traditional methods: manual harvests, careful selection of grapes, and ageing in a mix of large oak vessels and tanks to preserve both the depth and freshness of the wine. The resulting style typically unveils aromas of ripe red fruits, hints of black pepper, wild herbs and subtle earthy undertones, with a structure marked by soft yet persistent tannins.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits at the heart of the southern Rhône, a region famed for its Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cooling Mistral winds. The soils here are famously diverse, though many vineyards are strewn with galets roulés—large rounded pebbles that store daytime heat and gradually release it at night, promoting beautifully mature grapes. This terroir gives the region’s wines a distinctive warmth, complexity, and age-worthiness. The legacy of viticulture here is centuries-old, with papal connections lending both the name and an enduring sense of place.
Pair this Châteauneuf-du-Pape with equally flavourful cuisine: roasted leg of lamb with thyme and garlic, wild mushroom ragout, cassoulet, or a hearty ratatouille. Its robust structure and rich fruit also complement aged cheeses such as Comté or mature Gouda. If you wish to echo the local gastronomy, consider a Provençal beef stew, where the wine’s herbal notes will brighten the dish.
For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting an hour in advance will help the wine reveal its full aromatic complexity and supple texture. This is a wine to savour alongside good food and company, whether now or after a few years of cellaring.
