Château de Beaucastel

Run by the Perrin family, Château de Beaucastel is one of the most important in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation and was one of the first to practise organic viticulture – no herbicides, insecticides or any other chemical. It is now farmed according to bio-dynamic principles, using all 13 permitted grape varieties in its final blend with the Mourvèdre variety being the most important, often accounting for a third of the final blend. The vinification process is rather interesting in that when the grapes arrive at the winery, they are heated rapidly in order to extract colour and aroma, whilst also killing bacteria. This is known as “à chaud” and is not widely used. After maturation in large oak foudres the wine is bottled with a light fining but without filtration. When mature, the wines of Château de Beaucastel are quite spellbinding. A true “wine experience”.

The Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2020 is highly impressive. The bouquet is fresh and scented, overt with a wonderful whiff of red fruits. The palate is rich, filled with liqourice, a hint of garrigue and a melange of red fruits – raspberry, strawberry, plums. The palate is balanced with very soft tannins and a streaky acidity that delivers a vibrant freshness.

Pair with cherry glazed duck breast.

A blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault. The Syrah and Mourvèdre varietals are fermented in oak to avoid reduction, with the Cinsault and Grenache fermented in concrete tanks. Aged for 6 months in large oak foudres.