Domaine de la Janasse Tradition Chateauneuf du Pape

This exceptional Chateauneuf du Pape cuvee from Domaine de la Janasse uses hand harvested old vine Grenache, alongside Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault from several different terroirs (sand, rolled pebbles, red clay) located on the northern part of the appellation and on the plateau of La Crau. Grapes are sorted in the vineyards, with 80% destemming then maceration for 21 to 28 days and daily manual pressing. 80% of the wine is aged in foudres and 20% in barrels (1/3 new), for 12 months.

Ample, structured and well balanced, it shows plentiful blackberry and blackcurrant aromas alongside floral violets. The mouth is long and silky mouth, with juicy black fruit flavours  and a touch of raspberry with liquorice on the finish. Try with roast beef, lamb curry, rich stews, smoky cauliflower steaks, or brie.

Domaine de la Janasse source the grapes for this wine from vines planted in the 1940's, and only 900 to 1200 bottles are made in any year, making it an excellent limited run to add to any collection. The Sabon family-owned winery owes its success in part to its rigorous selection of grapes, with the harvester making the first selection, and a second sorting by family members as grapes are emptied into trays. This close and careful monitoring continues throughout production to final bottling.