La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC 2016 - M. Chapoutier

La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC by M. Chapoutier is a concentrated, fine-grained wine with almost burgundy-like finesse from the world-famous wine-making region Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern part of the Rhone valley. In the glass it appears with an intensely purple color; on the nose, this southern French red wine unfolds complex, fine aromas with a lot of red fruit, fragrances of strawberry and wild berry jam, spicy nuances of fancy pepper. On the palate the taste is balanced, you feel the fruity Grenache grape, elegant and full bodied. In the finish, the fruit transitions into a fine, spicy, long and complex aftertaste.

Vinification of the La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC by M. Chapoutier

For this Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the homonymous wine-growing region in the south of France, Michel Chapoutier vinifies mainly the Grenache grape, with very little Syrah and Mourvèdre. The vines grow on old pebble terraces, with red, sandy loam on the historical river of the Rhone. The soils give off the heat stored during the day to the vines, the climate here is hot and dry. The grapes are harvested extremely selectively as the rules for Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine are very strict, ensuring that only the very best grapes are used for this world-class wine from France. After the manual harvest, the grapes are pressed, then fermented for three weeks at a controlled temperature to obtain the highest possible extract of color and tannins. Subsequently, the wine ripenes for 12 to 15 months in beton.

Food pairing for the La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC by M. Chapoutier

This Burgundy-like, characteristic Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine suits perfectly to tasty meat, poultry and game dishes, roasted or braised, mature cheese and French red smear cheese. Also solo, this wine is a nice companion for an evening by the fireplace with friends.

Awards

Wine Spectator - 90 and 91 points for 2013
Mundus Vini - 2013 Silver