Presentation
Presentation
The production of white wine at Beaucastel is limited as we only have 7 hectares of white vines planted. The main variety is Roussanne, representing 80% of the blend.
The vintage
The vintage started with a long winter and one of the driest ones in the past years followed by an inexistent Spring. The crop development was very slow due to important climatic variations. The winemakers’ work was therefore crucial to get good quality grapes in small quantities. 2013 was a complicated vintage and late but is wonderfully balanced and is very promising.
Location
Château de Beaucastel has 7 hectares of white varieties.
Terroir
Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles).
Ageing
Handpicked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.
Varietals
Roussanne : 80%
Grenache blanc : 15%
Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc : 5%
Grenache blanc : 15%
Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc : 5%
Advice
Serving
10°C in INAO glasses
Tasting
The alcoholic and malolactic fermentations were carried out in new oak barrels this year followed by regular stirring of the lees. The 2013 vintage is a beautiful bright colour with green undertones. Great aromatic intensity with delicate notes of white-‐flesh fruits (peach) and spices bringing complexity and acidity to the wine. The mouth is long and persistent with a slightly iodine finish.
Reviews
"Reminding me of the 2012, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, which was just bottled two weeks ago, has fabulous richness and depth in its honeysuckle, tangerine, white flowers and buttered almond-like aromas and flavors. It too shows the freshness and purity of the vintage, with integrated, yet juicy acidity, good concentration and serious length. It will be better in another year or so, drink nicely for 2-4 years, and then all bets are off. At that point, it’s best to cellar for a decade."
"80% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picardin.
Notably complex nose. Satin texture and real depth. Something to sink your teeth into. "
Notably complex nose. Satin texture and real depth. Something to sink your teeth into. "
"Ripe and lush, with delicious Jonagold apple, creamed pear and melon flavors. Shows a buttered edge on the finish, delivering hints of verbena and bitter almond for contrast."
"2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (aged for eight months in 70% stainless steel tanks and 30% in wooden barrels): Bright yellow. Spicy orchard fruits and pit fruits on the deeply scented nose and in the mouth. Fleshy and broad, developing a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Melon and white peach notes linger on a long, subtly smoky finish that shows very good energy and focus."
