Château de Beaucastel 2017

Beaucastel reveals an elegant red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a rich aromatic palette

The estate

Founded in the 16th century, Château de Beaucastel was taken over by Pierre Tramier at the beginning of the 20th century. Although his son-in-law, Pierre Perrin, breathed new life into the estate, it was Jacques Perrin who developed its strong renown beyond French borders. Jacques Perrin’s son and grandson continue to perpetuate this family estate’s quest for excellence today, making it one of the finest labels among Rhone Valley wines.

The vineyard

Château de Beaucastel overlooks a 110-hectare vineyard in one piece at the north of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine appellation. Operated through Organic Farming since the 1960s, the vines are planted on soils made of rounded pebbles on the surface and clay, sand, and limestone deeper in the soil.

The vintage

2017 was the driest year in 30 years. Although yields were low due to climatic fluctuations, the grapes were of a high quality and have a rich aromatic potential.

Vinification and ageing

Manual harvests, then vinification in truncated wooden vats (for the Syrah and the Mourvèdre) and in traditional concrete and enamelled sandstone vats for the other grape varieties. Blending was carried out following malolactic fermentation. Ageing in oak barrels for one year before bottling.

The blend

Château de Beaucastel 2017 is produced from a blend of the 13 grape varieties authorised on the appellation: Grenache (30%), Mourvèdre (30%), Syrah (15%), Counoise (10%), Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne (10%) and Cinsault (5%).

The tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful and rather deep colour.

Nose

Pure and wonderfully elegant, the nose combines fragrances of subtly kirsch-flavoured cherries, blackcurrant and spices with floral notes, aromatic herbs (bay leaf) and chocolate.

Palate

The elegant and structured palate seduces with its ripe and fine tannins, its concentration, its velvety touch and its subtle fruity and spicy notes. The mouth-coating finish harmoniously combines elegant tannins and floral, fruity and spicy notes, as well as a beautiful persistence.

Serving

For an optimal tasting, serve at 15°C after decanting the wine.