Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf du Pape "Peur Bleue" 2018

1/3 Grenache, 1/3 Mourvèdre, 1/3 Syrah from the lieux-dits of La Gardine Combes Masques and Grand Dèves

Unsulphured. "Scared blue" - Château de la Gardine was initially nervous when bottling this Châteauneuf du Pape made without sulphur (a rarity for the appellation!) Fears unfounded, it's a real triumph. 

Tasting notes: Vibrant, fresh blueberries, a light chocolate note. Bursts on the palate with plenty of fresh berries, and a dense, plush texture. You may detect a little 'perlant' (fizziness) on the tip of your tongue from the small quantity of carbon dioxide used to protect the wine from oxidation in the absence of sulphur dioxide. Swirl your glass vigorously, or decant before serving, to drive off the bubbles. 

Drink with: Grilled beef, especially juicier premium cuts done simply and with lots of salt and pepper. Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille or anything with tomato sauce, thyme and olives. Serve at 17C. Drink now for its fresh fruity quality. It can also age 10-15 years to develop tertiary flavours.

Winemaking notes:  Hand harvested grapes with thorough sorting, to ensure only the cleanest fruit make it into the unsulphured wine. Some entire bunches are added that undergo a bit of carbonic maceration, for maximum fruit expression. Wine is aged in stainless steel.