# Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine André Brunel
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, red cherry, blackberry, forest floor, earth, leather

## About this wine

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée from Domaine André Brunel is a red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley, France. The Brunel family has a winemaking history dating back to the 17th century. The estate is known for its commitment to eco-friendly farming practices. This cuvée is crafted to showcase the distinctive characteristics of carefully selected parcels, often emphasizing fruit purity and a refined character through its aging process.

## Interesting facts

- The Brunel family's winemaking history dates back to the 1600s.
- This cuvée is often aged in tanks, not barrels, for fruit purity.
- The estate practices eco-friendly farming, avoiding pesticides and herbicides.
- The vines for this cuvée are typically around 40 years old.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and harmonious tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats and game. The fruit-forward nature of the blend can stand up to robust flavors, while the wine's structure helps to cut through fattier dishes, creating a balanced palate experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée begins with a manual harvest. The grapes undergo total destemming before fermentation, which lasts for approximately four weeks with daily pump-overs. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of 12 months in tanks, such as stainless steel and concrete, without the use of barrels. It is then bottle-aged for a minimum of three months prior to release. The estate employs eco-friendly farming practices, including the avoidance of pesticides and herbicides.