Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2009

The refinement and richness of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine

The estate

After more than 125 years of existence, the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is an emblem of the wines of the Rhône Valley. Named after one of the relay towers installed on the estate in 1821 by Claude Chappe, the inventor of the optical telegraph, the property has been run by the Brunier family for six generations. The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is located within the La Crau plateau, southeast of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Of the 70 hectares that make up the Domain, 65 are dedicated to red wines and 5 to white wines.

The vineyard

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine comes from a noble vineyard of 50 hectares with an average age of 70 years, located on the famous La Crau plateau, southeast of the appellation. The vines are planted on a rare and unique warm terroir, which gives a very particular expression to its wines whose minerality is proven thanks to soils composed of Miocene molasses (sandstone with clay-limestone cement) resting on a thick layer of clay loaded with pebbles, also called " rolled pebbles ".

Vinification and aging

After a manual harvest with double sorting in the vineyard followed by a third sorting in the cellar, the grapes are lightly crushed, undergoing a new selective destemming. The fermentation then takes place over a long period, ranging from 25 to 40 days in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. The wine is then aged for 20 to 22 months in French oak casks of 60 hectoliters.

Blend

Grenache, mourvèdre, syrah then cinsault, clairette and various other local grape varieties.

Characteristics and tasting advice for Vieux Télégraphe 2009

Tasting

Nose
Delicate and refined, the nose reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity, combining floral nuances, aromas of juicy blackberry and accents of warm spices.

Palate
Precise and balanced, the palate offers fine tannins and a silky texture. Its moderate density is enhanced by a subtle saline minerality, highlighting the richness of the Crau terroir through the brilliance of the fruit.