# Domaine Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Bosquet des Papes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, plum, lavender, black pepper, smoke, tobacco

## About this wine

Domaine Bosquet des Papes, managed by the Boiron family since 1860, is a historic estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape now helmed by Nicolas and Jeanne-Claire Boiron. The flagship Cuvée Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes originates from the ancient Clos Chantemerle plot and relies on octogenarian and centenarian vines aged 80 to over 100 years. Grown in classic galets roulés soils, this wine represents traditional, age-worthy Southern Rhône winemaking at its highest level.

## Interesting facts

- Crafted from ancient vines ranging between 80 and over 100 years of age.
- Fermented completely whole-cluster without any destemming in concrete vats.
- Grown on galets roulés river pebbles that radiate absorbed daytime heat through the night.

## Food pairing

The high tannins, rich body, and vibrant acidity require rich proteins and fats to soften the wine's powerful structure. High-intensity game meats, roasted lamb, and earthy truffle dishes align perfectly with the wine's deep savory character and spicy nuances.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested with strict vineyard sorting, the grapes undergo 100% whole-cluster fermentation without destemming in temperature-controlled concrete vats. Maceration lasts approximately 35 days with daily pumping-over and rack-and-return cap management. Aging takes place over 12 to 18 months in large oak foudres and demi-muids with around 15–20% new oak, resulting in an unfined and unfiltered bottling built for long cellaring.