Presentation
Presentation
The production of white wine at Beaucastel is limited as we only have 7 hectares of white vines planted. The main variety is Roussanne, representing 80% of the blend.
The vintage
The 2014 vintage is surprising for the region. It is characterised by a mild, damp winter, a hot and dry spring and a temperate and humid summer. An unusual year, a winemaker year. Bud break was very early, flowering took place in ideal conditions and fruit set was excellent, especially on Grenache. However, work in the vineyard and rigorous monitoring of the vineyard until harvest were necessary with wet months of July and August, favouring the vegetative growth. The harvest of white grapes took place under bright sunshine, with very nice analytical balances.
Location
Château de Beaucastel has 7 hectares of white varieties.
Terroir
Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles).
Ageing
Handpicked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.
Varietals
Roussanne : 80%
Grenache blanc : 15%
Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc : 5%
Grenache blanc : 15%
Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc : 5%
Advice
Serving
14°C in INAO glasses
Tasting
In the glass this wine has a bright, clear yellow colour, with undertones of white gold.
The nose shows a buttered character, brioche, and a mix of white flower notes, peach and apricot.
A wonderful wine that opens with a sharp and lively attack, but not too much. The palate is balanced and complex, with a good persistence supported by a slight salinity.
The nose shows a buttered character, brioche, and a mix of white flower notes, peach and apricot.
A wonderful wine that opens with a sharp and lively attack, but not too much. The palate is balanced and complex, with a good persistence supported by a slight salinity.
Reviews
"A good, maybe not great vintage for the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, it’s still outstanding and offers loads of orchard fruits, brioche, crushed rock and buttered citrus in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, pretty style. I’d give bottles a year in the cellar and drink them over the following decade, but a recent retrospective has convinced me you can age these for just about as long as you’d like. "
"2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
(aged for eight months in 70% stainless steel tanks and 30% in wooden barrels): Limpid yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, white peach and anise are complicated by hints of smoky minerals and pungent flowers that build with air. Juicy, seamless and taut on the palate, offering fresh pear, nectarine and lemon zest flavors that deepen on the back half. The mineral and anise notes repeat on a penetrating finish that lingers with outstanding tenacity."
(aged for eight months in 70% stainless steel tanks and 30% in wooden barrels): Limpid yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, white peach and anise are complicated by hints of smoky minerals and pungent flowers that build with air. Juicy, seamless and taut on the palate, offering fresh pear, nectarine and lemon zest flavors that deepen on the back half. The mineral and anise notes repeat on a penetrating finish that lingers with outstanding tenacity."
"A gorgeously rendered hedonists' delight, with creamed melon, peach, apricot and quince flavors that glide along, supported by subtle ginger, hazelnut and piecrust notes. The long, lush finish has fruit for days. Drink now through 2020."
"Full bodied and rich, this is a big, toasty example of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grilled mango notes lead the way, with vanilla and toast framing tropical and stone fruit on the long, oak-lined finish."
