WSET Tasting Note
This wine has medium+ intensity aromas of florals (violet), black fruit (black cherry), herbs, spice (licorice) and earth. It is dry with medium acidity, medium (+) tannin, high alcohol and a medium (+) body. The flavors are concentrated with black cherry, violet, licorice and spice. The finish is medium (+) and this is a very good quality Côtes-du-Rhone.
Producer
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is a hidden gem in the Southern Rhone Valley. It is currently run by 5th generation owner/winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen who has embraced biodynamic winemaking practices since taking over the estate in 1990.
The estate sits at the northern limit of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and enjoys 50 acres of old vines. The vineyards are planted on north-facing slopes, providing ideal microclimates in this Mediterranean climate. The soils are rocky/sandy and the vineyard is planted in parcels but all plots are field blends. All harvesting is done by hand. In the winery, natural yeasts are used to express terroir and vintage, and the wines enjoy a long slow fermentation followed by 18 months aging in foudre. All wines are bottled without fining or filtering.
Region
Côtes-du-Rhône is a, typically entry-level, classification that covers the entire Rhône Valley, which is located in Southern France. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is specifically located in the Southern Rhône Valley, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Southern Rhône Valley is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea, enjoying mild winters, hot summers, low rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. The Mistral (wind) plays an important role in the Rhône Valley as this strong, cold, northwesterly wind blasts this region that doesn’t have slopes for protection. Soils vary throughout the region, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are typically Grenache-based blends.