It is my great pleasure to share the wines of famed Chateau de Beaucastel. Situated in the Southern Rhone region of France, Chateauneuf du Pape 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. He transferred the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. The register of pontifical letters reveals that Clement V visited Châteauneuf on several occasions, sometimes for long periods.
There is historical evidence that red wine existed prior to the arrival of the papacy but there are no historical records of wine growing in this region prior to this time. Most of the wines during that time were consumed within a year. In 1923, the local wine producers led by the lawyer Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié started a campaign to establish legal protection for the wine from the commune. The wine classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is produced from grapes grown in the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as in portions of the four nearby communes in the Vaucluse department. The vineyards cover an area of approximately 3,200 hectares.
Clearly one of the famed houses in Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau de Beaucastel was named after the Beaucastel family which lived in this region in the 16th century. Records 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 house has belonged to the famed Perrin family for many years.
I have been enamored by these wines for more than 20 years. I had the chance to taste a very special wine that is only made in select years. The 2022 Chateau de Beaucastel ‘Hommage Jacques Perrin’ Chateauneuf du Pape (OB, 100) is a perfect wine that has tremendous power and poise. It really needs a year or two in the cellar before consuming. Learn more about Chateau de Beaucastel at http://www.beaucastel.com/en/ Here are the fantastic 2022 Chateau de Beaucastel ‘Homage Jacques Perrin’ review.
2022 Chateau de Beaucastel ‘Hommage Jacques Perrin’ Chateauneuf du Pape- A mesmerizing Chateauneuf only made in select vintages, the 2022 Chateau de Beaucastel ‘Hommage Jacques Perrin’ Chateauneuf du Pape is an otherworldly bottling that really needs several hours of air if enjoying now. Candied red fruits parade with citrus rind, rocky soils and red licorice notes on the nose. The palate is opulent and intense with layers of bacon fat, anise and a generous melange of red and dark fruits. The stony essence here is stunning, as it presents a flinty tension that runs through the veins of this beauty. Finishing with great length, this is a perfect wine from this warm vintage. Try to give this at least another year in the cellar. Drink 2027-2046- 100