Chateau de Beaucastel
Today is Bastille Day! And we pay homage to one of the acclaimed houses in the southern Rhone region of France. Chateau de Beaucastel produces some of the finest Châteauneuf du Pape in the world. Everyone who has tried this famous wine can think back to their first bottle of Chateau de Beaucastel. I recall my first one while I was in college, enjoying the absolutely epic 1998 Chateau de Beaucastel. I remember the stunning combination of weight and tension in the bottle — one that literally begs you to enjoy more. I have very fond memories of a 1989 Chateau de Beaucastel, one of the famed vintages for this wine that I had the pleasure of enjoying with friends several years back.
The region of Chateauneuf du Pape has an incredible history and was was first mentioned in 11th century historical records. The town of Avignon in this region was the previous site of the papacy, following a Roman invasion. Bertrand de Got, archbishop of Bordeaux, was elected pope in 1305, and took the name of Clement V as he transferred the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. The register of pontifical letters reveals that Clement V visited Châteauneuf on several occasions, at times for many months.
Wine had a serious effect in this region before the arrival of the papacy but there are no actual historical records of wine or vineyards prior to this time. We do know that most of the wine grown in this region prior to the 18th century was drunk within a year, which was true to the cultural times. It wasn’t until 1923 when local wine producers led the way to have their wines classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) was formed.
The famed Chateau de Beaucastel is named after the Beaucastel family which lived in this region in the 16th century. Amazingly we can find records that show a Pierre de Beaucastel buying a barn and some associated land at Coudoulet in 1549, and this land is still part of Château de Beaucastel's holdings. In the 19th century, when the Phylloxera epidemic struck the region, the owner decided not to replant the vineyards but rather to sell the property. In 1909, it was bought by Pierre Tramier, and the vineyards were rebuilt under his ownership. After him, his son-in-law Pierre Perrin took over management and expanded Château de Beaucastel's vineyard holdings considerably. The property has stayed in the Perrin family since.
For many years I have enjoyed very old bottlings of this estate, back to the 1980s. These wines are extremely complex, acid driven and age-worthy. Chateau de Beaucastel is one of the few wineries that uses 13 different Rhone varietals in its Châteauneuf du Pape, and typically uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre. I was very impressed with the vertical tasting, as these wines show as well as any other estate in Châteauneuf du Pape. I have been incredibly impressed with the consistency from this producer as these are some of the most age worthy wines from this region.
A few weeks back I enjoyed the glorious 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel. Sitting with friends, it was so much fun taking notes on this wine and watching the wine evolve over 30 minutes. This is a beautiful wine that won’t improve, so uncork it soon! Learn more about this famed estate at http://www.beaucastel.com Here is the gorgeous ‘00 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape.
2000 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape- Starting its decline but absolutely stunning over the first hour, the 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape is a wonderful piece of history that blends 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault and 15% a blend of Vaccarèse, Terret noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne. Right out of the gate the Umami and smoked meat tones impresse with lovely black olives and lighter red fruits all parade on the nose. tapenade, huckleberry, herbs de Provence, and shades of Umami. The palate has good freshness that remained intact over the first 30-45 minute mark after uncorking. Sour raspberry, bandaid, green olives and salty and stony undertones mingle on the palate with rose water and citrus rind undertones. Complex and delicate now, enjoy this beauty over the next few years if you still have some left. Drink 2020-2023- 93