I think every wine lover remembers their first bottle of Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape. For me, I fondly recall the 1998 Chateau de Beaucastel. This is a wine that typically pairs so well with food due to its inherent balance —and is best enjoyed with fellow wine loving friends.
The region of Chateauneuf du Pape dates back to the 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.
I have been very fortunate over the past few years to taste several older bottles of Chateau de Beaucastel. It is incredible how these wines evolve so gracefully. 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 adored the new 2019 Chateau de Beaucastel (OB, 98) which is one of the finest editions of this wine in current memory. Everything is working perfectly in unison here, as this is heady, yet very well-balanced, with incredible poise and weight. This wine will easily cellar for another twenty years. Learn more about this famed estate at http://www.beaucastel.com Here is the gorgeous 2019 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape.
2019 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape- The utterly stunning, wow-factor 2019 Chateau de Beaucastel is a glorious effort from this great vintage in the Southern Rhone. Linzer torte with Yakima cherry, blood orange zest and wet stone tones all seamlessly come together aromatically. The palate is deep, concentrated and sinfully good. Dense red fruits combine with salted rocks, citrus rind and shades of Hoisin sauce on the palate. Flamboyant in its fabulous youth, this stunning wine will surely live on for another twenty years. Drink 2022-2042- 98