Châteauneuf du Pape can often produce dense, high-alcohol wines. Chateau de la Font’s 100% Grenache “Le Puy Rolland” strikes a beautifully different chord. Grown on north-facing slopes of sandy soil, the grapes for this wine ripen more slowly, yielding a lower alcohol (14.5%), lighter, and more nimble expression of Châteauneuf. The nimble character of the wine is further preserved through the use of neutral oak and stainless steel for aging prior to bottling. With a swirl, aromas of roses, strawberries, cherries, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon all waft up from the glass. In the mouth, red fruit flavors dominate, with bright acidity. Chewy tannins fade into a lengthy finish. This is a beautiful expression of Châteauneuf du Pape that manages to feel new and exciting while staying true to its roots at the same time.
Chateau De La Font Du Loup, Châteauneuf du Pape (Rhône Valley, France) 2020
By John McDermott