Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2023

Wine Description for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2023 from Marcoux

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, rich golden yellow – radiant and inviting in the glass, with a depth that already hints at the wine’s complexity.

Nose

The nose is characterised by captivating sensuality and subtlety. Silky aromas of honey-toasted brioche and acacia blossoms, underpinned by orange blossom and chamomile. Ripe peach and apricot notes blend seamlessly, accompanied by candied lemon, lemon curd and ripe pineapple. In the background, hints of anise, fennel seed and a subtle salted lemon play – complex, yet never intrusive.

Palate

On the palate, a deeply creamy, almost sensual character unfolds – soft and rounded on the attack, before increasingly spicy depth and a tense, ripe acidity develop. This is flawlessly integrated and lends the wine tension and freshness without breaking its fullness. A fine, savoury bitterness typical of the appellation provides structure and length. Warm and ripe, yet never heavy – always precisely contoured and focused.

Finish

Long, spicy and elegant. The finish is underpinned by taut minerality, with a lingering echo of citrus peel and white flowers – a wine that lingers in the memory.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from three carefully selected parcels on the western slope of the village hill of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The soils consist of clay, colluvium and Barremian limestone – a terroir that inscribes minerality and structure into the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Blend of 70 % Roussanne (Les Esqueirons parcel, planted 1987) and 30 % Bourboulenc (Les Bosquets). Hand-harvested in 50-kg crates, gentle pressing, fermentation at cool 17 °C. Nine months of ageing: 60 % stainless steel, 40 % demi-muids. Deliberate avoidance of malolactic fermentation – for maximum freshness and precision.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with grilled lobster with herb butter, turbot in beurre blanc or risotto with white truffle. Also an exceptional pairing with foie gras or Comté aged 18 months.

Special Features

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are rare – only around 6 % of the appellation are planted with white varieties. Domaine de Marcoux is among the quiet masters of this style: not a mass-produced wine, but one of artisanal precision and great personality.