From: Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Varietal: Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Syrah
Taste & Critical Acclaim:
“Fresh forest berry, savory and wet earth aromas are married to a lovely freshness and fine tannins on the lively medium-to full-bodied palate. Very elegant finish that teases you with all its subtle nuances. A cuvee of 70% grenache, 15% syrah and 15% mourvedre. Drink or hold.” 95 points, James Suckling
“The Grand Vin from this great estate, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Paoe reveals a semi-opaque ruby hue to go with a classic style in its ripe red and black berry fruits, peppery garrigue, leather, earth, black olive and baking spice-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with fine tannins, it’s a beautiful wine in the vintage that should have 15 years of longevity.” 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
“Still in tank when I visited in June 2023, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau features scents of crushed stone accenting ripe cherries and hints of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, it offers taut acids allied to silky tannins and ample length on the finish. It’s not a huge blockbuster, but it fits nicely with the Brunier family’s evolution toward more elegance in their wines. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” 92-94 Points, Joe Czerwinski for Wine Advocate
Pairing: When pairing Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, consider their rich and complex profile, marked by bold fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and fine tannins. Opt for dishes with robust flavors to match the wine's intensity, such as roasted or grilled meats, rich stews, and hearty vegetables. Balance the wine's acidity with slightly tangy or creamy elements, and enhance its spice notes with dishes incorporating herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Avoid overly delicate or mild foods, as they may be overshadowed by the wine's full-bodied character.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines pair famously with the foods of Provence, drawing inspiration from the region's diverse culinary offerings. Provence's rich flavors and traditional dishes provide excellent pairing options, enhancing the wine's complexity and character. Classic pairings that would work seamlessly with this wine are things like Roast lamb with Herbs de Provence, wild mushroom risotto, or the classic duck breast
with blackberry sauce will pair beautifully with the wine's berry notes, and the duck's rich flavor will be balanced by the wine's acidity and fine tannins.
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers topped with a savory olive tapenade will perfectly accompany. Potato gratin with Gruyère cheese is another excellent choice, with the creamy and slightly nutty flavors complementing the wine's baking spice aromas. Aged Gouda’s nutty and caramel flavors will pair well with the wine's ripe berry and baking spice notes, offering a balance. Brie or Camembert, with their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavors, also pair beautifully.
Some modern and unconventional pairings we think would pair beautifully with this wine include duck spring rolls with hoisin sauce. The crispy texture of the spring rolls and the savory-sweet hoisin sauce will complement the wine's complex flavors, especially its earthy and berry notes—or sweet potato fries with smoked paprika aioli. The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries and the smoky, creamy aioli will bring out the wine's fruity and spicy characteristics, providing a modern twist on classic comfort food pairing.
Provençal White Wine Beef Daube
Recipe from Patricia Wells
Adapted by Julia Moskin
About: Vieux Télégraphe begins in 1891 with Henri Brunier in the village of Bédarrides, in the southeastern portion of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC area. Henri gifted plots of land on La Crau, an area once deemed unsuitable for cultivation due to its pebble-laden soil, to his son Hippolyte. Undeterred by the challenging terrain, Hippolyte planted the first vine stocks on this commanding plateau, where grapes had been grown since the 14th century. The estate was named "Vieux Télégraphe" in honor of inventor Claude Chappe's optical telegraph tower, which was constructed on the property in 1821.
Jules Brunier, Hippolyte’s son, expanded the estate to 42 acres. The vineyard flourished, producing wines renowned for their distinct character. Post-World War II, Henri Brunier, the fourth generation, revived and expanded the estate to 136 acres, crafting a unique style for Vieux Télégraphe wines that gained international acclaim.
