Taste: This pours a deep ruby with a garnet rim in the glass. Aromatically, it opens with a dense core of ripe black cherry, raspberry liqueur, and spiced plum layered with notes of dried thyme, licorice, and a subtle graphite edge. The wine is full-bodied and firmly structured on the palate, showing mouth-coating tannins and a broad mid-palate. Flavors of macerated red fruits, garrigue herbs, and cracked pepper evolve with air. The Syrah component brings savory depth, while the Mourvèdre adds earthy grip. The finish is long, powerful, and slightly saline, marked by lingering notes of clove, black tea, and dried rose.
Pairing: The bold structure, warm spice, and concentrated fruit of this Châteauneuf-du-Pape make it a natural match for rich, savory dishes and layered, herb-driven cuisine. Classic pairings include rosemary-studded leg of lamb, grilled duck breast with black olive tapenade, or beef daube slow-braised with orange zest and Provençal herbs.
About. Château Fortia, located in the southern Rhône village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is one of the appellation’s oldest and most historically significant estates. The domaine’s roots trace back to the 18th century, but it rose to prominence under the leadership of Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié in the early 20th century. A key figure in French wine law, Baron Le Roy was instrumental in establishing the AOC system that governs France’s appellation structure today, with Châteauneuf-du-Pape as the prototype. His legal and viticultural influence extended well beyond the Rhône Valley and shaped the landscape of modern French wine classification.
