Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes AOC 2021

Wine description for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes AOC 2021 by Marcoux

Colour & appearance

Deep, luminous cherry red with a bright rim — the colour of concentration without heaviness that old Grenache vines so often display.

Nose

Profoundly dark and still closed, a sleeping giant. Sour cherry, blackberry and sloe meet deeply roasted coffee and cocoa butter. Alongside this, a spiciness reminiscent of juniper, black pepper and cinnamon, underscored by cigar box and rosemary. Dark floral notes such as hibiscus lend a silky elegance, while salty liquorice in dark chocolate adds a final, seductive layer.

Palate

A fine-grained, invigorating tannin coats the palate — as precise as a well-tailored suit. The fruit submits to this structure without losing its presence. Ethereal spice and Mediterranean herbs emerge, carried by freshness and green contrasts. This wine wears its 15.5% alcohol with an ease that only great terroirs can bestow.

Finish

Long and multi-layered, with recurring salty liquorice and balsamic warmth — a finale that lingers for minutes.

Terroir & origin

The grapes come from two historic plots: Charbonnières on the northern slopes of the La Crau plateau, where Grenache has been rooted since 1900 — pre-phylloxera vines over 120 years old. In addition, Les Esqueirons, situated west of the fortress, with vines dating back to 1949. The Armenier family has farmed these vineyard sites for generations; a tax register from 1344 already lists them as winegrowers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Grape variety & vinification

98% Grenache, complemented by tiny amounts of Mourvèdre. Triple sorting, complete destemming, cold maceration. The four-week maceration period is unusually long, and the ageing takes place in cement tanks with additional maturation in foudres — a commitment to the pure expression of fruit.

Food recommendations

Braised beef shoulder with glazed turnips and rosemary jus — the wine’s spiciness is mirrored in the jus. Roasted lamb racks with bean cassoulet — the herbal aromas find their perfect match. Oven-roasted beetroot with basil pesto — the earthy sweetness of the vegetable contrasts beautifully with the dark fruit.

Special features

Since 1990, Domaine de Marcoux has been farming biodynamically — one of the first estates in the appellation to do so. Sophie Armenier and her son Vincent Estevenin craft here, from pre-phylloxera vines, a wine that combines power with an elegance unmatched in the southern Rhône.