Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape LES JARDINS DE LA LIVREE - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Les Jardins de la Livrée 2023 is a red wine from the illustrious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, nestled in the southern part of the Rhône Valley. This cuvée is typically crafted from a blend dominated by Grenache, accompanied by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a touch of Cinsault or other permitted varietals. The 2023 vintage is recent, promising a youthful and vibrant profile, marked by expressive red and black fruit, floral notes, and a touch of garrigue. The winemaking here often includes traditional vinification in concrete vats or large oak foudres, preserving both freshness and the noble character conferred by the terroir.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of France's most renowned wine regions, set on the stony plateau north of Avignon. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with dry, sunny days and cooling mistral winds, allowing grapes to fully ripen while retaining necessary acidity. The distinctive galets roulés—large rounded stones—cover the vineyards, accumulating heat by day and releasing it at night, ensuring optimal ripening conditions. The appellation boasts a rich history, once favoured by popes in the 14th century, and is celebrated today for complex, structured reds with considerable ageing potential.

Given its depth and body, this wine pairs wonderfully with robust dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled lamb chops with Provençal herbs, roast duck with figs, or a classic daube de boeuf. For a regional experience, pair with a ratatouille or an aioli garni, allowing the wine’s spicy and herbal notes to complement the flavours of southern French cuisine. Mature cheeses such as aged Comté or a ripe Saint-Nectaire also make fine accompaniments.

For the best expression, serve Les Jardins de la Livrée 2023 at 16-18°C. If uncorked young, a short decantation will help reveal its aromatic complexity. As the wine matures, expect more developed notes of leather, dried herbs, and truffle, enriching future tastings.