Domaine Saint Préfert - Châteauneuf du Pape rouge 2011
Domaine Saint Préfert is located in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley. The estate was created by Fernand Serre and was one of the first estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sell its wine in bottle in the 1930s. Since 2003 Saint Préfert is owned by Isabel Ferrando. The property covers 80 hectares, and 13 hectares are planted with vines which have an average age of 60 years. The soils are composed of gravel, rock, stones and large pebbles. Saint Préfert practices a “massale selection” (visual selection of the most robust vineplants) by which the vines are replanted with cuttings from the exceptionally old vines of the vineyard. The vineyard is conducted in certified organic farming.
The Rouge Classique is a blend of Grenache (85%) completed with Syrah (5%), Mourvèdre (5%) and Cinsault (5%). The vinification in whole bunch, not destemmed is traditional then the aging is carried out entirely in concrete vats, during 15 months. The 2011 vintage was characterised by a warm spring, but cool, wet weather in July and August which resulted in uneven ripening. However, the Indian summer saved the vintage. The Grenache is light, but the Syrah and Mourvèdre are powerful, so key to blending.
Grape varieties: 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault