2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée du Baron, Château Fortia
About Producer
Founded in the 18th-century, the Château Fortia we know today owes much to the vision of Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié who took over the management of this 36ha estate in 1919. A lawyer by training and an aviator during WWI, Baron Le Roy was a towering figure in the French winemaking world. He co-created the Syndicat des Vignerons de Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1923 to relentlessly implement stringent quality criteria following his motto ‘less wine, but better wine’. In 1935, he co-founded the INAO (the French national institute for the Protected Designations of Origin) and as a result of his tireless efforts, Châteauneuf-du-Pape became France’s first Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in 1936. A larger than life character, Baron Le Roy served as chair of INAO from 1947 until his death in 1967.
Varietals
Cuvée created in 2001, blend of 50% grenache, 35% syrah and 15% mourvèdre.
About Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tradition and history are inextricably entwined with the Avignon Papacy. Prior to the 14th century, vineyards were owned in the region by the bishops of Avignon, but mostly for local consumption produce. Things drastically changed following the decision of Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, to move the papal court in 1309 to Avignon. Said to be great lovers of Burgundy wines, Clement V and his successor John XXII also did much to improve local viticultural practices to such an extent that wines from the area became known as 'Vin du Pape', under John XXII. The appellation currently covers around 3,150ha of vineyards spread over five distinct terroirs between the towns of Avignon and Orange. A total of thirteen grape varieties are allowed to be used in red and white wines, with grenache (black, grey and white) being the star player, and often syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault in supporting roles.
Tasting Notes
Expressive nose of dark fruits, graphite, leather, cedar, garrigue, allspices and wet earth, rich mouthfeel with smooth texture, fine structure and good depth, oodles of flavours of black currant, raspberry, cherry preserve, bay leaf, vanilla, pepper and liquorice intermingled with savoury mineral undertones, juicy acidity and chalky tannins carrying through a long, crisp finish. At the beginning of its drinking window yet having the optimal ripeness for early consumption, this is an utterly delightful wine with composed elegance, beautiful fruit purity and mouthwatering freshness. Though not overly complex, it’s an old school beauty that has plenty of vivacity, depth and tension to deliver pleasurable enjoyment at brilliant value. (08/2023)