Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Chante Cigale – This is a traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a peppery, leathery nose. The palate is dry with spices, more pepper and a hint of vanilla before a delicious, firm finish and complexity, richness and elegance combine in this wine. Full tasting note and wine making – Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Chante Cigale Rhone Valley France is a classic stunning wine made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and it has a rich nose and ripe subtle fruit on the palate. The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the classic large pebbles found in this area, which naturally keep yields low. The vines are over 45 years old and situated near the plateau de Carbières and are harvested by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. The grapes undergo a traditional long ‘cuvaison’ at quite high temperature and with extended maceration on the skins to extract plenty of colour, fruit and tannins. This is followed by ageing for between 14-18 months in ‘foudre’ or large oak barrels with 10% in new barrels and 30% in concrete vats. The producer – Domaine Chante Cigale, located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has been owned and operated by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 102 acres of land classified Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines produced are considered as classic, well made, reasonably priced Châteauneufs. Recently Christian Favier the father released the reins to his son, Alexandre, who is fast becoming new rising star of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite only being in thirties, he has been lauded by notable journalists such as Jancis Robinson, UK. Despite Chateauneuf being known for its red wine production, the area also crafts award winning white wines. The Domaine Chante Cigale produces five times more white wine than the other producers in Châteauneuf and its Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has won several gold medals in Orange and Paris. Drink with – Try this refreshing softly fruity wine with lamb chops with Provence herbs, grilled trout and spicy dishes.
