Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape 'Classic' 2021 (France)

Description

Oak, Raspberry, Spice

"The effusive raspberry and redcurrant fruit is wrapped around the well-crafted core of powdery tannins, giving this Châteauneuf good energy and some drive. Moderate acidity for the vintage. With a bit of aeration wild herb aromas develop adding more interest. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold" James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

The "Classic" has a distinctive floral component and is a pretty wine, at the same time, it captures the power and spice you expect from a classic Châteauneuf. The vines average 50 years-old and are grown in a sandy loam and clay soil. The blend is 75% Grenache aged in concrete, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre aged in barrels. Aged for 18 months.

Domaine de Cristia was established in 1942, with only two hectares of vines; at that time, all grapes were sold to négociants. When Baptiste Grangeon inherited the vineyards from his father in 1999, he was the first to bottle as Domaine de Cristia. Today, Baptiste manages the winery with his sister, Dominique, and they have gradually added vineyards over the years, to a total of 20 hectares of vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ninety percent of their holdings are in the lieu-dit Cristia, with the remaining ten percent spread over three different areas. These parcels are comprised of varying soil-types, including sand, clay, limestone, and galets, and benefit from a cool, fresh north-easterly exposition which allows the grapes and wines to develop supple, elegant tannins. Their Syrah and Mourvèdre vines average 55 years old and the oldest Grenache is over 100 years old.

The domaine follows organic agriculture for all work in the vineyards and has been certified from the 2008 vintage.