Château Beauchêne Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve Magnum, 2018

Seductive Châteauneuf-du-Pape 

Aromas of raspberry, spice vanilla and hints of violet dominate in the glass. A rich, complex wine with well-blended tannins giving flavours of red cherries, vanilla and earthy tones with hints of truffle on the finish. Partially aged in French oak barrel between 12 and 18 months.

• Exclusive to Whelehans
• Family-owned estate
• French oak barrel between 12 and 18 months.

Cellaring Potential: Drinking now to 2028

Food Pairing:  Rich beef and lamb dishes.

STORY BEHIND THIS WINE

Michel Bernard’s family has lived in Orange, a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France, since the 17th century. As tenant farmers, the Bernards profited from the social upheavals of the French Revolution, buying their first vineyard soon after the momentous event in 1794. This vineyard is still part of Château Beauchêne but today the property extends to 70 hectares, including vineyards representing three appellations, Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône Villages and Côtes du Rhône. All wines, however, are vinified and matured in Château Beauchêne. Michel Bernard remains in charge of winemaking, working with his wife Dominique Vergniaud and their daughter Amandine Bernard, to create and market their array of impressive wines including Le Terroir. Bernard believes that ‘the character of a vineyard results as much from the history of its terroir as from the personality of the winemakers who fashion it’. He is careful to minimise the use of pesticides saying that a vineyard must be allowed express itself without being forced. ‘Balance between the characteristics of the soil and the capacity of the grape variety, is the only way to preserve the true wealth of a vineyard through generations.’ Read More