This Châteauneuf-du-Pape from 2021, crafted by Xavier Vignon, represents one of the Rhône Valley’s most distinguished red wines. The region is renowned for its complex blends, typically featuring Grenache as the dominant grape, often supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre. While precise varietal percentages can vary depending on the vintage and the producer’s preferences, you can expect a wine of notable depth, with Grenache imparting ripe red fruit notes, Syrah bringing a hint of spice and structure, and Mourvèdre lending earthy, savoury undertones. The 2021 vintage in the southern Rhône was characterised by favourable conditions that generally encouraged freshness and aromatic purity, resulting in well-balanced wines.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies in the Southern Rhône, a region shaped by warm Mediterranean influences and the famously stony galets roulés soils. These large, rounded pebbles absorb heat during the day, releasing it overnight to help grapes ripen fully. The Mistral wind, a vital element of the local climate, reduces humidity and disease pressure, preserving the health of the vines and concentrating flavour. The area — historically tied to the papacy — has centuries of winemaking tradition, reflected in the region’s emphasis on complex, structured, age-worthy reds.
For food pairings, the generous and layered character of wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes them ideal with robust dishes. Consider a classic Provençal lamb stew, herbed roast beef, or grilled duck breast. Regional pairings with daube de boeuf (a slow-cooked beef stew) or ratatouille also complement the wine’s balance of ripe fruit and subtle earthiness. The wine’s spice and body will shine alongside Mediterranean dishes featuring black olives, rosemary, or wild mushrooms.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at around 16–18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to serving will help open up its aromatic complexity. While the 2021 is approachable in its youth, the wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the coming years if cellared carefully.
