Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge AOC 2021

Wine description for Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge AOC 2021 by Marcoux

Colour & Appearance

Dense, dark purple with delicate violet reflections – the colour lightens towards the rim to a brighter, more transparent edge. A wine that already promises depth and substance in the glass.

Nose

The nose is seductive and multi-layered: morello cherry, blackberry and blueberry form a juicy, dark-fruited foundation, accompanied by a hint of blackcurrant. The spice is as present as it is impressive – juniper berry, mixed pepper in all its nuances, bay leaf and nutmeg lend the wine an almost Mediterranean depth. With a little patience, rosehip, rooibos and hints of roasted coffee as well as dark chocolate emerge. The surprisingly refreshing finale of the nose belongs to mint and kaffir lime leaves – unusual, but remarkably invigorating.

Palate

On the palate, the wine opens immediately and invitingly. The fruit swings elegantly between red and black berries, always carried by a pleasant warmth. The acidity is precise and well-integrated, the tannin shows green, fresh accents that give the wine juiciness and a fleshy, almost bloody texture. A wine that grabs you and immediately invites the next sip.

Finish

Long, spicy and characterised by a lively, almost wild energy. The bloody-earthy character lingers – complex, invigorating, unmistakably Southern Rhône.

Terroir & Origin

Domaine de Marcoux manages 13 individual parcels with variable soil types – from galets roulés to sandy and loamy sites. This diversity is the key to the complexity of this wine. Organically farmed since 1991, it reflects the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with remarkable authenticity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The cuvée consists of 80% Grenache Noir, complemented by 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah and 3% Cinsault. After careful hand-harvesting and selection at the sorting table, the grapes are completely destemmed and cold macerated. Fermentation is temperature-controlled, with the cap wetted daily by remontage. After an extended maceration of around five weeks, the wine matures for 18 months predominantly in cement tanks, supplemented by wooden vats and 350-litre oak barrels – an ageing process that prioritises freshness and terroir expression.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A versatile companion: Côte de Boeuf with potato-truffle gratin and oriental jus is the classic, powerful pairing. Surprisingly harmonious, it also pairs well with grilled scorpionfish with Mediterranean roasted vegetables or whole roasted celeriac with parsley pesto and toasted hazelnuts – proof of the versatility of this wine.

Special Features

It is rare for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape to retain so much freshness and vibrancy despite all its power and warmth (14.5% vol.). The organic farming and the consistent terroir-focused approach of Domaine de Marcoux make this wine one of the most authentic representatives of its appellation.