Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2010

A balanced and precise red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 operated 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 no longer to be proven thanks to soils composed of Miocene molasses (sandstone with clayey 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. Fermentation then takes place over a long period, ranging from 25 to 40 days in stainless steel vats 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 2010

Tasting

Nose
Rather subtle than opulent, the nose seduces with its great aromatic complexity, mixing floral notes, blackberry aromas and warm spices.

Palate
Straight and pure, the palate reveals elegant tannins and a refined texture, supported by a beautiful density and a mineral touch with saline accents. The expression of the Crau terroir asserts itself through the intensity of the fruit.

Cellaring

Already harmonious, this great classic of the appellation will gain in depth and fully reveal its minerality after an ideal cellaring between 2025 and 2030.