# Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Le Vieux Donjon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Clairette, Roussanne
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** melon, grapefruit, passion fruit, apricot, honeysuckle, lemon, blossom, peach, honey, almond

## About this wine

Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a white wine from the Southern Rhône, produced by the Le Vieux Donjon estate. Established in 1979, the winery is now managed by the second generation of the Michel family. The wine is made from a blend of Clairette and Roussanne grapes, grown on very old vines. White wine production is a small part of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, making this wine a distinctive offering from the region.

## Interesting facts

- White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a rare gem, making up only about 10% of the appellation's production.
- The vines for this wine are exceptionally old, some exceeding 80 years, imparting depth and character.
- Production of the white wine is extremely limited, with only around 300 cases made annually.
- The estate's white grapes are cultivated on just one hectare of land.

## Food pairing

The wine's lively acidity and medium body complement rich textures and proteins without overpowering delicate flavors. Its subtle herbal and mineral notes can echo or contrast with ingredients, while its freshness cuts through richness.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with a deliberate blocking of malolactic fermentation to retain acidity. The wine is then aged briefly in stainless steel. Harvests are manual, with farming practices described as organic or reasoned. Production volumes for the white wine are very limited.