Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2014

A refined white wine from Domaine Le Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The estate

After more than 125 years of existence, the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is an emblem of Rhône Valley wines. Named after one of the telegraph towers installed on the estate in 1821 by inventor Claude Chappe, the estate has been run by the Brunier family for six generations. The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is located on the La Crau plateau, in the south-east of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Of the 70 hectares that make up the estate, 65 are dedicated to red wines and 5 to white wines.

The vineyard

Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2014 is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine that stems from an exceptional vineyard of 50 hectares of an average age of 70 years, on a pebbly Crau plateau (south-east of the appellation. In between the villages of Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Courthézon). The vines rest on soils made up of Miocène molasse (sandstone with clayey limestone cement), which lie on a thick layer of clay with rounded pebbles.

The wine

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine stems from a plateau from « La Crau ». It is balanced and has a lovely freshness worthy of the finest white wines of the appellation.

Winemaking and ageing

The harvest was done by hand with a double selection in the vineyard and a third in the cellar. The harvest was taken to a pneumatic press. Fermentation was carried out 50% in vats and 50% in wood – barrels, demi-muids and tuns. Ageing was partly in vats and partly in wood. Bottling took place a year later.

Blend

40% Clairette
30% Grenache Blanc
15% Roussanne
15% Bourboulenc

Characteristics and tasting tips for Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2014

Tasting

Colour
The colour is dense, of a beautiful lemon yellow.

Nose
The complex nose has floral scents, such as honeysuckle and acacia and fruity notes like pear and mirabelle plum. A touch of spice and a lovely minerality are unveiled.

Palate
This wine is balanced, it has a lovely freshness and a bold attack. The finish is remarkable.

Food and wine pairing

Lobster or veal or pike dumplings pair well with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 9 and 12 degrees.

Storage

Le Vieux Télégraphe blanc "La Crau" 2014 can be aged for 15 years, until 2029.