This is Châteauneuf-du-Pape in all but name! When the appellation was first classified in the 1930s the then proprietor was not interested in the newly formed appellation and refused the experts to visit his Domaine to draw up the boundaries for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, preferring to go hunting rather than all this fuss they were wittering on about...! Hence this is surrounded by an appellation of which it is not part.....
The Clos of the rock is located in the commune of Courthézon. It is composed of 44 ha in the appellation Côtes-du-Rhône, and 9 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Bruno Gaspard took over the winemaking here in 2002, and they have been using organic principles and not used any herbicides for over 10 years now. When you visit the property and try the various wines they produce it is difficult not to appear too enthusiastic as all of their wines are jaw droppingly good. Les Garrigues is the name used to describe the stony terroir. All the grapes are hand harvested and de-stemmed before pressing.
Made predominantly with Grenache and a little Syrah, this wine is a superb, rich red with sweet red fruit and liquorice and silky texture yet still full-bodied, with hedgerow fruit and herbs in copious amounts. The 2011 vintage is a great follow on from successive impressive years, though this one will drink now happily...sometimes too well…
Written by Mike Unsworth, Regional Trade Sales
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