Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2019

A fine and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

The estate

After more than 125 years of existence, the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is an emblem of Rhône Valley wines. Named after one of the telegraph towers installed on the estate in 1821 by inventor Claude Chappe, the estate has been run by the Brunier family for six generations. The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is located on the La Crau plateau, in the south-east of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Of the 70 hectares that make up the estate, 65 are dedicated to red wines and 5 to white wines.

The vineyard

Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2019 is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine that stems from an exceptional vineyard of 50 hectares of an average age of 70 years old. The vines rest on soils made up of Miocène molasse (sandstone with clayey limestone cement), which lie on a thick layer of clay with rounded pebbles.

The vintage

2019 is considered one of the best vintages of the decade. The grapes were healthy and ripe with a wonderful acidity, giving perfect substance for magnificent wine to lay down.

Winemaking and ageing

After a harvest done by hand with a double selection at the vineyard and a third in the cellar, the grapes were lightly crushed, with a new selective destemming. Fermentation took place next over a long period, going from 25 to 40 days in stainless steel and wooden vats. The wine was then aged for 20-22 months in French oak tuns of 60 hectolitres.

Blend

Grenache (65%)
Mourvèdre (15%)
Syrah (15%)
Cinsault, clairette and various others (5%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2019

Tasting

Colour
The colour is dense, of a beautiful deep ruby.
Nose
The nose mingles floral scents with black fruit and spices.
Palate
This wine is powerful and elegant and the tannins are silky.

Food and wine pairing

Game or beef goes marvellously with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2019 would benefit from being tasted up to 2032 to release all its aromatic palette.