Floral & Rich
As at many family domaines with deep roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, vigneron Alexandre Favier was by his own account “raised in the vineyards”: Alexandre’s grandfather, Noël Sabon, is from one of the best known winemaking families in the region. Alexandre himself began his viticultural studies in Orange at the age of fifteen and passed the exams four years later in 2001. A year later (at age twenty!) he took over winemaking duties at the domaine when his father experienced health problems. Today, Domaine Chante Cigale is one of the most important family estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The centenarian Mourvèdre from the lieux-die Le Calada, located in the North of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: a genuine and rustic wine that will go through decades. The vineyard sits on a south-west facing hill, and the soil is composed by rolled pebbles and clay. Macerated for three weeks in pyramidal concrete vats, the wine ages for 24 months in 320L barrels. The nose is very floral, with aromas of tart wild red berries and liquorice. The palate is powerful, full of richness with dense yet delicate tannins. Only 500 bottles.
Savour this full-bodied red with hoisin-and-balsamic-glazed lamb chops or Peking duck with mandarin pancakes.
