2017 Comte de Lauze -- Châteauneuf du Pape -- Rhone Valley, France

2017 Comte de Lauze -- Châteauneuf du Pape -- Rhone Valley, France

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Anne Fourcher has owned Domaine Comte de Lauze (pronounced like the home improvement store) since 2004. Also the winemaker, she strives to produce wines that recall the Chateauneuf-du-Pâpes made prior to Robert Parker and his penchant for very ripe, extracted, oaky and alcoholic reds. Her North and East facing, stone covered vineyards of old vines get less of the increasing afternoon heat, resulting in longer hang time that builds complexity while not sacrificing freshness and acidity. Her farming is certified “Haute Valeur Environnementale” so she can rely on native yeasts to achieve full dryness even in her underground winery that uses concrete fermenters. The resulting cool fermentations retain the subtle nuances of the aromas of fresh flowers and berries and transmit more of the essence of the place. After fermentation the wine ages in used large oak vats called foudres and various other large-format oak barrels that concentrate the wine without coloring it. Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe is arguably the most climate change effected appellation in France, so North and East facing vineyards now have an advantage and give a window to the style of wines produced in the past. The traditional accompaniment to this full-bodied blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah is red meat and/or aged cheeses.