Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Fathers Day

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a special-buy red for Father’s Day

If I had a pound for every time people say “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” when I ask them to name their special-buy red, I wouldn’t be sitting here.

Sorry, but that’s how shallow I am. It’s June and you might not be thinking of red wine, but tomorrow is Father’s Day, so you have an excuse.

I asked Dad A and Dad B to taste-test some Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But first, some facts: Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a town in southern Rhone near Avignon, so-named as it sits in the shadow of a medieval papal palace.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Wine-makers are allowed to use up to 18 grape varieties but most blend from just a handful. Grenache is the powerhouse. It is the most widely planted and the backbone of red wines. Mourvèdre, syrah, cinsault and others take supporting roles.

Yes, there are a handful of white wines too. Grapes include clairette, and roussanne.

The wines are not for the faint-hearted. By law, the minimum alcohol level is 12.5% – don’t be surprised if you find wines at 16%.

The price range is huge, so deep breaths.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Barberini, Domaine de la Solitude, 2010
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Barberini, Domaine de la Solitude, 2010

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Barberini, Domaine de la Solitude, 2010 (wineman.co.uk) is a blend of 80% grenache and 20% syrah. Says Dad A: “The nose whacks you like a Tyson right hand. The hints aren’t so much hints as full-on explanations. Espresso, Bonfire Night, chocolate, bicycle saddles, blackberries, compost, like walking into a greenhouse.”

Yes, it’s £44.99, a bit of a Gulp Factor, but Dad A says: “Take my advice. Buy it but make the kids pay. You’re worth it.”

For Dad B, a mix of red and white, both from www.gerrardseel.co.uk. The white was Chateau De La Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvee Des Generations Marie-Leoncie 2011 (£34.75) and the red, Chateau De La Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2011 (£28.40)

Says Dad B: “These are a real treat: The white is the pick of the pair, a gorgeous, rich mixture of gingerbread and honey on the tongue but balanced with plenty of fresh fruit, all conjuring up summer nights in Provence.

“The red is a beautifully balanced mouthful, packed with dark fruit flavours and a smidgeon of pepper and spice.”

I think you’ve got the message. Dads like Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

I’m not a dad, but I’m allowed my say.

Domaine du Usseglio 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition (£26.54, wine.gauntleys.com) is a blend of grenache (80%) with syrah, cinsault and mourvèdre in attendance. Talk about comfort blankets. Rich ripe punnets of black fruit in a full-bodied velvet cloak speckled with spice.

Domaine Giraud 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition
Domaine Giraud 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition

Also from Gauntleys, Domaine Giraud 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition (£29.37) is produced from vines between 60 and 80 years old. They’ve known life and offer much. Grenache is 60%, followed by syrah and a sprinkle of mourvèdre.

I was asked to write the word “yum” so I will and I have. There’s a lush richness of vanilla and black cherries on the nose (chocolate too) with lots more of the same to taste.

Châteauneuf du Pape Cellier des Princes Haut des Coteaux 2010
Châteauneuf du Pape Cellier des Princes Haut des Coteaux 2010

From Tesco’s website, there’s an award-winner in Châteauneuf du Pape Cellier des Princes Haut des Coteaux 2010 (£25). The 2010 vintage won gold at the International Wine Challenge. Spice is the driver here, with plummy, cherry fruits and a savoury edge which all add to a very delightful mouthful indeed.

I suggest you go to your local independent wine merchants to find a really special good CdP for dad.

Asda Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Asda Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape

In the supermarkets, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2013 (£14) won the International Wine Challenge Great Value Red under £15. It’s silky, peppery and nicely balanced. Asda has a decent offering too, with Extra Special Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 (£9.97).

Have fun, dads.

Published in the saturday extra magazine June 20, 2015

Liverpool Echo – South Wales Echo – Daily Post Wales – Huddersfield Examiner – The Chronicle, Newcastle – Teesside Evening Gazette – Birmingham  Mail – Coventry Telegraph – Paisley Daily Express

2 thoughts on “Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a special-buy red for Father’s Day”

  1. Even in the duty free hop on Brittany Ferries Bretagn yesterday the chateauneuf-du-Pap was around £45. I opted for the Cotes Du Rhone Villages at £4.50 a bottle when you buy 6

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