Tardieu Laurent : Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2020

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

The estate

Passionate about wine and terroirs, Michel Tardieu created the Tardieu Laurent estate in 1996 with his wife, which over the years has become an essential reference among the most beautiful wine labels of the Rhône Valley. For two generations, this family estate has magnified the terroirs of emblematic appellations (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu, Hermitage, Vacqueyras, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage ...) through aromatic and delicate wines resulting from rigorous vinification.

The wine

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2020 from Tardieu Laurent is a Rhône Valley wine made from vines aged 50 to over 100 years on average, planted on different terroirs (La Crau, Les Gardioles, Maupertuis, Coste Froide, Bois Dauphin, Font de Michelle).

The vintage

The year 2020 was marked in Châteauneuf-du-Pape by striking climatic contrasts. A wet spring, reminiscent of the challenges of the 2018 vintage, initially raised the concern of winemakers, before proving beneficial in replenishing water reserves. But this respite quickly gave way to a summer of extreme drought, the third in a row, once again putting the vine to the test.

Cool nights and sporadic rains helped avoid the worst, but phenolic maturation remained delayed, posing dilemmas for winemakers as the harvest approached. Contrary to expectations, waiting until the equinoctial rains did not always bear fruit, making selection even more crucial.

In this demanding vintage, only the very old vines, deeply rooted and carefully worked, were able to express their full potential. At the cost of low yields, they offered wines that met the expectations of the most meticulous winemakers, once again confirming their key role in difficult years.

Vinification and aging

Following the harvest, the grapes are destemmed to 50%. An initial aging of 12 months in barrels of a previous wine is followed by an additional 12 months of aging in foudres.

Blend

Grenache (80%), Mourvèdre (15%) and Syrah (5%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2020 from Tardieu Laurent

Service and aging

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to decant this wine 2 hours before serving it at 14°C.