Domaine Santa Duc - Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge "La Crau Ouest" 2021 750ml (13.5% ABV)
High above the Rhone, La Crau is one of the proudest terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Exposed to the north, it creates straightforward, generous and complex wines. Deeply rooted in the soils of the Miocene, made of “safres” and sand, the 90-year-old Grenache vines thrive. Large diurnal shifts mark the grapes with a fine and precise tannin structure. A terroir in which the biodynamic preparation 500 is of particular importance: the horn dung preparation revitalizes both soil flora and microbiological life and thereby preserves organic matter in these sandy and particularly heavily drained soils. Challenged by ageing in jars, the wines develop much tension and finesse, with a Burgundy-like character. Of astonishing energy, the wines of La Crau Ouest have always contributed to the reputation of Rhône wines by their longevity and their unique style. highly rated wine amongst critics
sourced from a .5 hectare parcel!
93 pts. WS & JD
Shows a taut, racy ruby hue red fruit profile, with damson plum, bitter spiced cherry and red currant, wild strawberries, dried flowers notes allied with singed cedar, dried garrigue, brick dust and tobacco hints. Herbaceous, offers savory and shiso leaf threads that stitch up the finish. Distinctive, relying on freshness more than power. great finish. Best from 2025 through 2036.
region: Rhone, France
varietal: 100% Grenache
style: big bold red
farming & cellar: certified Demeter biodynamic, 90-year-old vines in the sandy soil of La Crau Ouest. Hand-picked with very selective sorting. Fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless-steel vats for 20 to 30 days, with two long pumping over sessions daily. Punching down is decided after tasting. Pressed pneumatically. Malolactic fermentation in vat. The wines are clarified by settling over winter in the cellar.Aged in Anfora "terracotta jars" for 18 months to enhance fruit and minerality and to showcase the pure expression of terroir and grape.
In depth, significantly more reddish brown soil and substantially more clayey, hardly calcareous. Many earthworm tunnels, down to 90cm (35 inches) deep underground.
pair with Game, duck breast & confit de canard blackberry gastrique and escalloped potatoes