2022 Domaine Font du Vent Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley

Domaine Font du Vent Châteauneuf du Pape is a deeply traditional and expressive wine that captures the soul of this historic southern Rhône appellation without excess polish. Domaine Font du Vent is a long established family estate, with roots in Châteauneuf du Pape stretching back several generations. Today the domaine is overseen by the Fabre family, who farm their vineyards with a strong emphasis on tradition, low intervention and respect for terroir. The vineyards are spread across classic Châteauneuf sites, dominated by galets roulés, limestone and sandy soils that store heat during the day and release it at night, ensuring full ripeness while preserving balance.

The blend is rooted in Grenache, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, with smaller portions of traditional varieties depending on the vintage. Old vines play a key role, delivering concentration, savoury depth and natural structure. Harvesting is done by hand, followed by traditional fermentation methods that prioritise gentle extraction. Maturation takes place in large, neutral vessels rather than new oak, allowing the purity of fruit, spice and earth to take centre stage. This is Châteauneuf du Pape made in a classical style, built for longevity rather than immediacy.

The aromatics are rich and complex. Ripe raspberry, black cherry and plum sit alongside garrigue herbs, dried thyme and lavender. Beneath the fruit lies a savoury core of leather, warm earth and cracked pepper, with hints of liquorice and spice emerging as the wine opens. There is an unmistakable southern Rhône warmth, but it is balanced by freshness and restraint.

The palate is powerful yet composed. Generous red and dark fruits flow through firm, fine grained tannins that give structure without heaviness. Flavours of Grenache driven sweetness are balanced by savoury notes of spice, dried herbs and mineral earth. The acidity keeps the wine lively and food friendly, while the finish is long, warming and layered, lingering with spice, fruit and a gentle grip. This is a wine that drinks well with air in its youth but truly shines with time, evolving over ten to twenty years into notes of leather, truffle and dried fruit complexity.

A natural match for slow cooked lamb, beef daube, game dishes, grilled meats, mushrooms or aged hard cheeses. Domaine Font du Vent Châteauneuf du Pape is an authentic, honest expression of the appellation, rich, savoury and deeply satisfying.