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 2020 vintage in Southern Rhône was favoured by very good weather conditions, it is a generous vintage, both in terms of quality and quantity. Not as hot as in 2019, this year was very windy, throughout the growing cycle, with light rainfalls. After a fairly mild winter (one single episode of frost was noted during the night of March 24, but only the early ripening plots were very slightly affected). The spring was radiant, quite warm and very windy, which allowed the soils to preserve their freshness. Flowering began on May 18, under very healthy conditions. The good weather continued in June, July and August, with plenty heat but lower temperatures than in 2019, cool and humid nights and wind which continued to blow, preserving the freshness of the vines and maintaining perfect sanitary conditions for the grapes. The harvest, which was fairly early, therefore began under these very good conditions on August 26 with the white Côtes-du-Rhône and continued until the end of September with the Mourvèdre. September was warm at the beginning of the month and then more temperate, offering idyllic harvest conditions and allowed each plot to be harvested at perfect maturity. The harvest was very healthy with beautiful juicy and very ripe grapes, reasonable alcohol levels, good acidity and already a great balance. Yields are slightly higher than 2019 and the first tastings predict a very nice vintage.
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
A truly sumptuous, brilliant gold hue. The nose is superb, typical of Beaucastel: intensely complex and aromatic with a subtle association of perfectly ripe fruit and delicate floral notes. The extremely elegant palate offers a magnificently delicate and refined texture, sublime aromas that are both graceful and powerful, and extraordinary length.
Reviews
"Looking at the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, which is 80% Roussanne and the rest Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it has a rocking nose of apple blossom, melon, honeyed minerality, and spice as well as medium to full-bodied richness on the palate. It picks up a terrific green almond-like nuances with time in the glass, and it’s textured, balanced, and just another brilliant white from this team."
"Closed for now, with apricot and a touch of crème anglaise. Full-bodied but not massive, this has plenty of tension that keeps things neat, a shining beam of acidity running through it. Real length and intensity here, it's remarkably saline this year, displaying great power and balance. 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and Clairette, 10% Piquepoul Blanc, Picardan and Bourboulenc. Part of the blend was matured in two and three-year-old barriques for one year."
"You could almost mistake this very sophisticated and elegant white Chateauneuf for a white Burgundy if it wasn't for the pronounced fresh-apricot note. This is ripe and fleshy, but in a refined way, the acidity at the finish is supple, but it remains very clean and straight. A blend of Roussanne with a small amount of grenache blanc. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
"Beaucastel's 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is 80% Roussanne (half in new oak and half in second-use wood) and 20% other permitted varieties (made in stainless steel). Honeyed pear and pineapple notes dominate the nose, while the palate is full-bodied rich and luscious, yet remains vibrant, refreshing and long on the finish. I find it delicious now and don't see any need to age it, although it will undoubtedly hold together for several years."
"Beautifully rendered, with a pure display of white peach, Cavaillon melon and mirabelle notes gilded from start to finish with honeysuckle and acacia. Pretty wet stone note gives the finish spine as the fruit and floral notes linger prettily. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2027."
