Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019 – Domaine de la Solitude

Following a selection of the best bunches; the grapes to produce Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Domaine de la Solitude were meticulously sorted, destemmed and gently crushed, before entering concrete fermentation tanks via gravity. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Domaine de la Solitude must underwent maceration for approximately 30 days, during which a gentle extraction took place to obtain velvety tannins. Approximately 25% of the wine was aged in barrels, demi-muids and foudres for 14 months. This domain 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. Yielding just 30 hectolitres per hectare, the vines are carefully managed throughout the year. The grapes are hand-harvested, once each variety has reached full maturity, which is based on tastings undertaken by an expert panel. The vineyard is farmed sustainably according to the principles of la lutte raisonnée. Domaine de la Solitude 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 Solitutude’s wines are renowned for their characteristic elegance whilst expressing the true origins of their terroir.