Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2019

A delicate and fresh white Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Le Vieux Télégraphe

The estate

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

Le vignoble

Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2019 is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine that stems from an exceptional vineyard of 50 hectares of an average age of 70 years, on a pebbly Crau plateau (south-east of the appellation. In between the villages of Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Courthézon). The vines rest on soils made up of Miocène molasse (sandstone with clayey limestone cement), which lie on a thick layer of clay with rounded pebbles.

The wine

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine stems from a plateau from « La Crau ». It is balanced and has a lovely freshness worthy of the finest white wines of the appellation.

Winemaking and ageing

The harvest was done by hand with a double selection in the vineyard and a third in the cellar. The harvest was taken to a pneumatic press. Fermentation was carried out 50% in vats and 50% in wood – barrels, demi-muids and tuns. Ageing was partly in vats and partly in wood. Bottling took place a year later.

Blend

40% Clairette
30% Grenache Blanc
15% Roussanne
15% Bourboulenc 

Characteristics and tasting tips for Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2019

Tasting

Colour
Dense, la robe est d’une belle couleur jaune citron. The colour is dense, of a beautiful lemon yellow.

Nose
The nose is complex, with floral scents like rose, and white flowers. Fruity notes mingle exotic fruit like lychee with yellow fruits like pear and apricot. An almond note makes the nose delicious.

Palate
This balanced wine unveils a lovely freshness and a delicate minerality. The finish is remarkable.

Food and wine pairing

White fish or a cut of veal with mushrooms pairs well with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 9 and 12°C.

Storage

Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2019 can be aged for 15 years, until 2037.