Floral & Herbal
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.
This is a blend of regional white varieties planted in the early 80's: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul and Bourboulenc. It is not common to find Bourboulenc in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend, but Alexandre likes adding it to the blend because it tends to have lower alcohol and brings acidity and balance to the wine. Thirty percent of the wine fermented in Burgundy barrels.
A full-bodied white with rich, ripe pear fruit that develops into floral and herby peachiness. The wine has a long leesy character and fresh acidity. Attractive when young but worth leaving for a couple of years, which will allow the wine to develop some wonderful nutty and mineral notes.
Enjoy this white blend with grilled red mullet with charred onion and pine nuts.
