2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Piedlong”

Speaking of great terroirs… Piedlong, the highest parcel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, may be the best there is for Grenache. This cuvée is really a showcase for Grenache at its finest: while there’s plenty of the brawn and masculinity one would expect, with this terroir it’s “on the rocks,” so to speak, cool, drinkable, bright, and lively. There’s also a splash of Mourvèdre in there, from the neighboring Pignan parcel, which contributes what I’ve heard referred to as the “venison touch.” –Chris Santini

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Vintage 2014
• Bottle Size 750mL
• Blend 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Country France
• Region Southern Rhône
• Vineyard Grenache = 70 years old, Mourvèdre = 50 years old, 13 ha
• Soil Sand on red clay and galets roulés
• Winemaker Frédéric & Daniel Brunier
• Aging Wine is aged in concrete tanks for 1 year, then aged a second year in 50 hl foudre, bottled unfined and unfiltered, aged in bottle for 3 months
• Farming Lutte Raisonnée
• Alcohol 14.5%