Viniou Reviews
The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château Bosquet des Papes is a red wine of remarkable pedigree, crafted in one of France’s most renowned appellations. This vintage encapsulates the classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and sometimes small amounts of other permitted varietals, yielding a wine both powerful and harmonious. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo careful selection, typically followed by traditional vinification with extended maceration to extract colour, structure, and complexity. Ageing often takes place in a combination of concrete vats and oak foudres, lending both freshness and subtle tannic finesse to the final wine. The 2023 vintage promises vibrant aromatics—ripe red berry, black cherry, a hint of dried herbs (garrigue), and spicy undertones—supported by a dense yet elegant palate.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the southern Rhône Valley, enjoys a warm, typically Mediterranean climate characterised by hot summers and the hallmark Mistral wind, which keeps vines healthy. The terroir here is legendary: a patchwork of galets roulés (large, heat-retaining pebbles), sand, limestone, and clay. This diversity of soils contributes to the wine’s complexity and ability to age gracefully. The region’s winemaking tradition dates back to the 14th century, when the papacy relocated to Avignon and helped put these wines on the map. Today, Châteauneuf-du-Pape stands as a flagship for rich, expressive southern Rhône reds.
For food pairing, this wine’s robust structure and aromatic depth make it a superb match for hearty, flavourful dishes. Regional Provençal cuisine works especially well: think slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, daube de boeuf, or duck breast with cherry sauce. Roasted game, matured cheeses such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie, and Mediterranean vegetable tian will also enhance the wine’s complexity.
To fully appreciate its youth and vigour, serve the 2023 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will help release its aromatic potential. This wine can be enjoyed now for its fresh fruit character, or cellared for further development over the next decade.
