# Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine des Saumades
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Rhône Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €33
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, raspberry, dried fruit, red cherry, black plum, vanilla, cloves, forest floor, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

Domaine des Saumades Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2022 is a red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley, France. The estate is one of the smallest in the appellation, with vines averaging 35 years of age, situated in the Pignan vineyard known for its sandy soils. The wine is primarily made from Grenache, with the producer Franck Mousset coming from a family with four generations of winemaking history in the region. Farming practices are described as reasoned, and harvests are manual with selective sorting.

## Interesting facts

- One of the smallest vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Vines are located near the esteemed Château Rayas.
- Estate established in 1995.
- Average vine age of 35 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure, with its vivid tannins and medium+ body, is well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. The fruit-forward character can stand up to and harmonize with savory and slightly sweet elements in dishes, while the wine's inherent warmth echoes the spices often found in robust cuisine.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Domaine des Saumades for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2022 begins with manual harvesting and selective sorting of the grapes. The grapes are then completely destemmed before fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an aging period of 12 months in used French oak barrels and demi-muids. The producer opts for older barrels to avoid excessive oak influence on the final wine.