Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault
75cl * Vegan * 15% ABV * Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
Domaine Chante Cigale, located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley, has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Recently Christian Favier released the reins to his son Alexandre who is fast becoming a new rising star of Chateauneuf. Despite only being in his early 20's he has been lauded by notable journalists Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson. As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk, covered with a layer of the classic large pebbles ('galets') found in this area, which naturally keeps yields low. The vines are over 45 years old and situated near the plateau de Carbieres. Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes which for this blend are 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. The wine has lots of warm red fruit and damson aromas with cinnamon, spices and jam but also concentration on the palate, then liquorice richness and elegance to finish.
Try with lamb or lentil and vegetable moussaka and any rich hot-pot that heavily features 'herbes de Provence' or similar aromatic herbs.
Aging potential: 10 to 15 years
"Blackberry and dark chocolate, surprisingly ripe and full-bodied, with concentrated black fruit and palate-coating, ripe and juicy tannin. Finishes long. Enjoyably robust in what can be a weak vintage. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2034" 91 Points, Matt Walls, Decanter Magazine (at Rhône Valley, 01 Oct 2022)