Domaine du Grand Tinel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape red 2020

Grenache 80%, Syrah 20%.

75 years old vines on sand, clay soil with rolled pebbles. Annual production is 60,000 bottles. Harvest is entirely manual, followed by systematic sorting in the vineyard and at the cellar. The different grape varieties are vinified separately and the harvest is de-stemmed and crushed in its entirety. Fermentation is done in thermo-regulated tanks with pumping over everyday for 4 to 5 weeks. Free-run juice and press wines are separated.

The Syrahs are aged for 12 to 18 months in large oak barrels to allow tannins to gain in roundness and sweetness. The most tannic Grenaches are aged 12 to 18 months in vats, demi-muids and barrels. The stainless steel vats preserve the fruity aromas and maintain finesse and elegance. The final blend is determined and done just before bottling.

The nose is spicy and peppery. There are notes of cassis, cherry, violet and lightly toasted bread. In the mouth, the tannins are silky, the wine is fruity and warm, with a good length. Drink now with grilled meat, lamb, couscous, or keep it for another 10 years.