Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2018

When velvet and elegance meet in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

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 "La Crau" 2018 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 powerful and elegant wine comes from 65-year-old vines.

Winemaking and ageing

After a harvest done by hand with a double selection of grapes in the vineyard and a third in the cellar, the grapes were lightly crushed, with a new selective destemming. Fermentation took place next over a long period, going from 25 to 40 days in stainless steel and wooden vats. The wine was then aged for 20-22 months in French oak tuns of 60 hectolitres.

Blend

Grenache (65%)
Mourvèdre (15%)
Syrah (15%)
Cinsault, Clairette and various other varieties  (5%) 

Characteristics and tasting tips for Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2018

Tasting

Colour
The colour is dense, of a beautiful purple.
Nose
The nose is complex with floral notes and red fruits like cherry.
Palate
This wine is powerful and full-bodied, with a velvety and elegant texture. The finish is remarkable.

Food and wine pairings

Game or beef goes marvellously with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

Le Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" 2018 can be aged for at least 25 years, until 2033.