Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge AOC 2020 1500ml Magnum

Wine description for Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge AOC 2020 1500ml Magnum by Marcoux

Colour & appearance

Medium crimson — clear, translucent, without the opacity that characterises some southern Rhône wines.

Nose

Fine and complex: violet and aniseed lead the way, followed by pepper and the spicy herbal note of the garrigue. Behind them, juicy dark raspberries, black cherries and blackberries — and in the background a hint of crushed stone, evoking the appellation’s famous pebble soils.

Palate

The texture surprises: despite 15.5 per cent alcohol, the wine feels transparent and elegant. Red and dark fruit alike, a liquorice note typical of Grenache, along with the herbal spice of the garrigue. The alcohol brings warmth yet remains well integrated. Classic, timeless, without any heaviness.

Finish

Already showing a fine velvety texture and remarkable length. The warmth lingers, yet it supports the fruit rather than overwhelming it.

Terroir & origin

Domaine de Marcoux farms 18 hectares across seven different terroirs within the appellation — from the famous galets roulés (quartzite pebbles) to clay and red sandstone, as well as chalky limestone. The Armenier family has been viticulturists here since 1344, and the estate has farmed biodynamically since 1990 — among the first in the region to do so.

Grape varieties & vinification

The cuvée of Grenache (around 80 per cent), Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault comes from 13 plots. After hand harvesting and triple sorting, spontaneous fermentation takes place, followed by an unusually long maceration of four to five weeks. Maturation lasts 18 months — primarily in concrete tanks, complemented by used casks.

Food recommendations

The power and spice of this wine call for substance: Bœuf à la Gardiane — braised beef with oranges and olives — reflects its Provençal origins. A hearty paella with chorizo and merguez or an earthy lentil soup with fresh thyme also find a worthy partner here.

Special features

The magnum format slows the ageing process and preserves the freshness of this already elegant vintage. A Châteauneuf-du-Pape that demonstrates how power and finesse need not be opposites — from an estate that has proven for over 30 years that biodynamics and great wines go hand in hand.