Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Beaucastel - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Château Beaucastel 2015 is a superb example of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, hailing from one of the most iconic estates in the southern Rhône. This red wine is typically a blend centred around Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a range of other permitted varietals adding complexity and structure, reflecting the region’s tradition of multi-varietal blends. The 2015 vintage benefitted from favourable weather, resulting in wines of generous ripeness, balanced acidity and fine tannins. At Beaucastel, organic and biodynamic viticulture is the norm, and the winemaking style favours a harmonious marriage of fruit intensity and savoury depth, with partial ageing in large oak foudres, which lends subtlety rather than overt oakiness.

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is set in the southern reaches of the Rhône Valley, blessed with a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters. The terroir is famed for its galets roulés—large, rounded stones that absorb heat by day and release it at night, aiding grape maturity. The soils here, a mix of sand, clay and limestone, contribute both fruit intensity and fine mineral structure to the resulting wines. Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s history is rich, intertwined with the Papal residency in Avignon in the 14th century, which gave the region its name and brought international renown.

With its powerful structure and layered complexity, Château Beaucastel 2015 is ideally matched with richly flavoured cuisine. Classic pairings include slow-cooked lamb shank with Provençal herbs, duck breast with fig compote, or a traditional cassoulet. The wine also complements matured cheeses such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie, and roasted root vegetables or wild mushroom dishes for a vegetarian alternative—all of which echo the wine’s earthy, aromatic profile.

For optimal enjoyment, decant for at least an hour before serving to allow the full bouquet to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight both its ripe fruit character and subtle spicy undertones. This wine is enjoyable now but also promises further development over the coming decade for those patient enough to cellar it.