La Ferme du Mont Vendange Châteauneuf du Pape

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The La Ferme du Mont Vendange Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 is counted in the top one percent of wines in the world, and is highly praised by critics, scoring a 93 on Robert Parker Wine Advocate. It’s composed of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre grape varietals from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, and has an ABV of 14.5%.

Deep purple red in color, it is an aromatic wine, giving notes of red and black fruits, lightly waxed Mediterranean spices, and black licorice. It’s smooth on the palate, with notes of fine and silky tannins, and hints of fresh red fruits. It finishes long, elegant, and tasty.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

Wonderful to begin a night with, accompanying your cheese board, the La Ferme du Mont Vendange Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 will follow your palate brilliantly throughout the meal. Pair with Provenҫal stew, lamb chops, poultry, or pork, and pan-fried vegetables for your main course. If you want to keep enjoying it through to dessert, it goes well with a moist chocolate cake.

THE POPE LOVES HIS WINE

Châteauneuf-du-Pape means “The Pope’s new castle” in French, and this appellation has some of the most acclaimed wines throughout the country. Both the name and its association with wine has all to do with Pope Clement V. The aforementioned Pope was Archbishop of Bordeaux, and a lover of Bordeaux wines. When he transferred the papacy to Avignon, he confirmed that Avignon had great potential for winemaking, and thus, the wines produced in this region were known as “Le Vin de Pape,” or “The Pope’s Wine.” It was eventually renamed and referred to as “Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”

Storage Instructions

Store unopened red wines in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 16 to 18°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 3 to 5 days standing upright in the refrigerator.