Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marc Bonfils - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Marc Bonfils 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is a fine example of this iconic southern Rhône appellation. Crafted predominantly from Grenache, often with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and smaller proportions of Cinsault or other traditional varieties, this wine epitomises the complexity and depth characteristic of the region. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm and relatively dry growing season, yields a wine with impressive ripeness, plush red fruit, and well-integrated tannic structure. Expect notes of black cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, with underlying hints of garrigue herbs, peppery spice, and a subtle, savoury earthiness, resulting from traditional vinification and ageing, often in concrete or large old oak vessels to respect the fruit purity.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits at the heart of the Southern Rhône Valley, renowned for its galets roulés—the large rolled stones that blanket the vineyards, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it overnight, ensuring optimal ripening. The region is shaped by the mistral wind, which both cools and protects the vines from disease while intensifying the concentration of flavours. With a winemaking history stretching back to the popes of Avignon in the 14th century, Châteauneuf-du-Pape remains a beacon of tradition and innovation, producing some of the most age-worthy and expressive wines in the Rhône.

Pairing this robust red with Provençal cuisine makes for inspired dining. Classic accompaniments include slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, daube provençale rich in herbs and black olives, or ratatouille bursting with Mediterranean vegetables. For cheese, opt for aged hard varieties such as Comté or mature goat's cheese for a regional flourish. Hearty dishes with roasted game or grilled beef also stand up beautifully alongside the wine's structure.

To appreciate its layered aromas and velvety palate, serve Marc Bonfils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022 at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will allow the wine to reveal its full aromatic complexity, especially in its youthful stage, and further enhance your tasting experience.