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Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020

Chateauneuf du Pape translates to “new house of the Pope”, so named in honor of the 70 years of exile the Papacy spent outside of Rome beginning in 1308. Relocating to the town of Avignon in the southern Rhone Valley of France, Pope Clement V needed something tasty to drink (he was by birth a Bordeaux guy), and thus a new commitment to quality was born in the area. Located just north of Avignon, the Chateauneuf du Pape region represents the pinnacle of the blended red traditions of the southern Rhone. I mean pinnacle not only in terms of quality, but also in number of grapes allowed in the traditional blend. Thirteen, and not even all red ones mind you. Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre to be sure tilt the scales most heavily, but don’t forget Cinsault, Cunoise, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese, and Picpoul Noir, plus Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Rousanne, Picardan, Clairette, and Bourboulenc (for those of you counting to fifteen at home, the red skinned and white skinned versions of Grenache and Picpoul only count as one variety each). You would hope that wines made from that much blending material would offer loads of complexity, and the best examples of Chateauneuf du Pape offer exactly that. Widely regarded as being full bodied and alcoholic, Chateauneuf du Pape actually comes in a wide variety of styles depending on the producer and the vintage. The best producers balance rich, ripe red fruit and gamey qualities with crisp acidity and fine tannins to make wines that offer great enjoyment both in the near and longer term.Chateauneuf du Pape translates to “new house of the Pope”, so named in honor of the 70 years of exile the Papacy spent outside of Rome beginning in 1308. Relocating to the town of Avignon in the southern Rhone Valley of France, Pope Clement V needed something tasty to drink (he was by birth a Bordeaux guy), and thus a new commitment to quality was born in the area. Located just north of Avignon, the Chateauneuf du Pape region represents the pinnacle of the blended red traditions of the southern Rhone. I mean pinnacle not only in terms of quality, but also in number of grapes allowed in the traditional blend. Thirteen, and not even all red ones mind you. Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre to be sure tilt the scales most heavily, but don’t forget Cinsault, Cunoise, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese, and Picpoul Noir, plus Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Rousanne, Picardan, Clairette, and Bourboulenc (for those of you counting to fifteen at home, the red skinned and white skinned versions of Grenache and Picpoul only count as one variety each). You would hope that wines made from that much blending material would offer loads of complexity, and the best examples of Chateauneuf du Pape offer exactly that. Widely regarded as being full bodied and alcoholic, Chateauneuf du Pape actually comes in a wide variety of styles depending on the producer and the vintage. The best producers balance rich, ripe red fruit and gamey qualities with crisp acidity and fine tannins to make wines that offer great enjoyment both in the near and longer term.

Food Pairings

Comfort foods. Stews, Cassoulet, roasted chicken, hot dish, pot roast.

Where to find this wine

Accounts that have purchased this wine in the previous twelve months are listed below, alphabetically by city. Please call ahead to confirm availability or vintage

Total Wine & More #1601 - Bloomington
Bloomington
952-835-6063

Total Wine & More #1603 - Burnsville
Burnsville
952-835-6063

Edina # 3 - Vernon/grandview
Edina
952-903-5740

Liquor Barn
Long Lake
952-473-1817

Lunds & Byerlys - Maple Grove
Maple Grove
763-416-1611

Surdyk's
Minneapolis
612-379-3232

Underground Leaf And Vine
Minneapolis
612-213-2975

1010 Washington Wine & Spirits
Minneapolis
612-339-4040

Total Wine & More #1608 - Minnetonka
Minnetonka
952-545-2754

Total Wine & More #1602 - Roseville
Roseville
301-795-1000

Total Wine & More #1610 - St Louis Park
Saint Louis Park

Thomas Liquor
Saint Paul
651-699-1860

Solo Vino
Saint Paul
651-602-9515

Wayzata Wines & Spirits
Wayzata
952-473-7191

Total Wine & More #1604 - Woodbury
Woodbury
301-795-1000

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