2014 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Chateau Beaucastel, run by the Perrin brothers, is regarded as one of the best estates of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. At 131 hectares of vineyards, it is also one of the largest estates in the region. It is atypical of the appellation in its production techniques. It is one of three estates to produce and vinify all 13 grapes permitted under the regulations of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Also, unlike most estates, Beaucastel prefers to use as much Mourvedre in its blend as Grenache. As one of the first estates to practices organic viticulture, Chateau Beaucastel is often criticized for the influence of Brettanomyces, yeast that may contribute animalistic flavors to the wine. They are also controversial for their vinification practice of rapidly heating the incoming must in order to kill bacteria and extract color and flavor from the skins. After maturation in oak casks, the wine is bottled with light fining and no filtration. The house produces several cuvees, the grand vin known as Chateau Beaucastel. Their other wines include Hommage a Jean Perrin, Chateau Beaucastel Blanc, Roussanne Vieilles Vignes. Good values can be had by their Cotes du Rhone, Coudoulet de Beaucastel and their negociant line under the name Vieille Ferme.

Click here to listen to GrapeRadio's podcast about Ch. Beaucastel (Show #142, 42:50 min 20 MB)

See other similar producers:Clos du Mont Olivet,Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils