France | Rhone | Domaine Chante Cigale | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

Varietals
20% each Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul

Notes
SOIL: The estate is located in a very stony part of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape area, where you can find the famous "galets roulés" (rolled pebbles). A large part of the vineyard is on the famous plateau de Cabrières, near to Château Montredon. Grapes are harvested from the following plots: lieu dits: Cabrières, Les Armenieres (galets roulés); and lieu dits: Palestor, les Plagnes (clay-limestone).

VINIFICATION: Manual grape harvest with selective sorting. Direct pressing . Alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel vats (70 %) and Burgundy barrels (30%). No malolactic fermentation in order to maintain a good level of acidity.

TASTING NOTES: A stylish white with exotic apricot aromas, a full-flavored, weighty palate with flavors of baked apples and white peaches and a rich, powerful finish. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. Great to drink on its own, or paired with goat or sheep-milk cheeses, pork, or full flavored dishes.

PRESS/REVIEWS: "Unusual for the appellation, Chante Cigale's 2019 Chateauneuf-de-Pape Blanc is equal parts five varieties: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne. The result is a lively array of citrus notes on the nose, with hints of melon and pineapple in the mix as well. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a rich, silky feel and a languorous, slinky finish that adds hints of fennel seed. There's a bit of barrel used, but no overtly oaky aromas or flavors intrude." Joe Czerwinski, 92 (WINE ADVOCATE, 10.30.2020)