Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2023
An elegant wine of great complexity, with citrus aromas enveloped in layers of minerality and herbal nuances. On the palate, this blend is full-flavoured with nutty, toasty tones, a creamy texture and a rich, long finish.
This is an historical cuvée of the Domaine, which has been produced since the XVII century with white Grenache grapes from the “Crau Plateau”, and the Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Picpoul varieties from the “Vallon de la Solitude”. This Domaine has one of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with its abundance of rounded quartzite stones from the Villafranchian period. These stones absorb heat during the day then radiate it at night, promoting full grape maturity. The grapes are manually harvested, once each variety has reached phenological ripeness, based on grape tastings by an expert panel. The grape bunches are then meticulously sorted to ensure only the best fruit is vinified. Certified organic.
The harvest took place during the early hours of the morning into 25-kilogram crates. The grapes were pressed after a short skin maceration. The Roussanne and Grenache Blanc varieties were fermented and aged in French oak barrels, while the Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul were co-fermented in vats. The Roussanne grapes underwent malolactic conversion. 10% of the grapes were vinified using a long maceration technique, which means those grapes were vinified like red grapes adding further complexity. 35% of the wine was aged in oak barrels, 30% in foudres, 30% in concrete vats, and 5% in new oak barrels, on the fine lees, lasting for 10 months.
| RRP | £42.50 |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Serve with | Seafood, white meats and creamy pasta and rice dishes |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhône |
| Subregion | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Grapes | Clairette 30%, Grenache Blanc 30%, Roussanne 25%, Bourboulenc 15% |
| Dry/Sweet value | 2 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | Yes |
| Biodynamic | Yes |
| Closure | Cork |
Wines have been made on this estate for several hundred years, dating back to 1264 when the family arrived from Italy to serve the pope in Avignon. The three hats depicted on the label, signifies two bishops and a pope, who were among the fore fathers of the Lançon family. Today, the domain with its 38 hectares in the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, is passing to the next generation as brothers Jean and Michel Lançon are handing over the reins to Florent, Michel's son. Florent, who is passionate about innovative winemaking, while honouring traditional values, has recently started working with new tulip-shaped concrete vats which were initially designed for Cheval Blanc and are at the cutting edge of winemaking technology. Domaine de la Solitude’s wines are renowned for their characteristic elegance whilst expressing the true origins of their terroir.
