Presentation
Presentation
Château de Beaucastel has long been regarded as one of the greatest wines in France. It is notorious for its elegance, balance and ageing potential. Beaucastel has an exceptional terroir at the Northern limit of Châteauneuf du Pape, exposed to the Mistral wind. All thirteen varieties of the appellation have been organically grown since the sixties.
The vintage
With complex climatic conditions, 2024 was particularly challenging, requiring constant attention and commitment in the vineyard. Efforts rewarded by a vintage that is proving particularly promising. The early harvest, with 10 days ahead of average, began on August 28th for the whites and on the 30th for the reds and ended on October 4th with Mourvèdre, which forms the basis of the Hommage à Jacques Perrin wine. A long harvest in order to harvest each plot at perfect maturity, which took place in very good conditions, with cool temperatures, avoiding having to harvest at night. At the end of the harvest, the yields were reasonable, and the first tastings were exhilarating with balanced wines, particularly fruity and offering a lot of freshness. The 2024 vintage thus has very good potential, and great balance.
Location
Châteauneuf du Pape, between Orange and Avignon, Château de Beaucastel red is a 70-hectare vineyard.
Terroir
Château de Beaucastel is 110 hectares, with one single plot at the north of the appellation. The terroir is archetypal of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf: rolled pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone deeper down. The vines are old and have been organically grown for 50 years, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionally deep.
Beaucastel grows all thirteen grape varieties authorized by the appellation.
Beaucastel grows all thirteen grape varieties authorized by the appellation.
Ageing
Each variety is harvested separately and manually. Vinification takes place in oak fermenters for the reductive varieties (Mourvèdre, Syrah) and in traditional enameled concrete tanks for the Oxidative grapes (all the others). Once the malolactic fermentation is finished, the Famille Perrin blends the different varieties. The blend is then aged in oak Foudres for a year before being bottled.
Varietals
Grenache : 30%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 15%
Counoise : 10%
Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne : 10%
Cinsault : 5%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 15%
Counoise : 10%
Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne : 10%
Cinsault : 5%
Advice
Serving
Around 15°C. If possible, decant the wine.
Tasting
A magnificent, intense garnet colour, shiny and clear. The powerful generous and complex nose reveals a superb aromatic bouquet blending notes of spice, fresh blackberries, and forest floor. Balancing richness and delicacy, both ample and silky, the palate reveals the wine's fine grain, with beautiful aromas of chocolate, blackberries, and cloves. A refined wine that promises excellent aging potential.
Reviews
"Baked blackberries and a touch of dark chocolate with a violet top note. It has a silky palate, only medium-bodied this year but lovely bright acidity on show. Not hugely concentrated, but there's a good sense of energy and clarity. Importantly, the tannins are smooth and ripe. A crisp, saline vintage of Beaucastel, drinkable young. Has a bit more Counoise this vintage – just over 10% – and only 5% Syrah."
"Dark and dense, showing real power and concentration. Offers more than just ripe fruit, with violet, blackberry and plum cruising alongside black pepper, salt-cured meat, toasted spices and a ballast of solid iron. Gutsy in feel, with pleasing chewiness, this ripples with energy through the youthfully tight finish. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Picardan and Roussanne."
