Louis Bernard Chateauneuf-du-Pape France 2009
Winemaker's Notes:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most prestigious southern Rhône wine. It was here that the appellation contrôlée system began in 1923, when a group of local winemakers, led by Baron Le Roy, drew up a charter of six stipulations to regulate and safeguard the quality of their table wines. Decades later, the laws of the appellation contrôlée system remain largly unchanged.The Templiers originally planted vines in the region in the 12th century. Two hundred years later, it was the papacy of Avignon that continued the winemaking tradition. It was the new chateau (château neuf) completed by Pope John XXII in 1333 for which the wines of this region and the city itself are named.At its best, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a broad, generous, sinewy wine showing a range of dark, fruity flavors. The wines derive their uniqueness from several sources. The round red and cream-colored stones and galets, left by ancient Alpine glaciers, absorb heat throughout the day and then reflect it onto the vines during the cool nights. As a result, the grapes reach maximum maturity. Furthermore, the vines here benefit from the cleansing winds of the mistral, which keep them dry and free of undesirable diseases.Grenache accounts for 60% of the vines planted here, but because it can be unbalanced on its own, another 12 varietals (including five white ones) are permitted for use in making red wines. Châteuneuf-du-Pape white represents only 5% of the total appelation and is also a blend of up to six varietals. Yields are limited to 2.59 tons per acre.
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Louis Bernard:
Established in 1976 in the Rhône Valley, we strive to make terroir-driven wines expressive of the Louis Bernard style: fruity and concentrated while also supple and well-rounded. Boasting a beautiful aromatic complexity and good structure, our wines can be enjoyed young, but also have great aging potential.
In order to obtain the high-quality grapes needed to make exceptional wines, Louis B...
Read moreEstablished in 1976 in the Rhône Valley, we strive to make terroir-driven wines expressive of the Louis Bernard style: fruity and concentrated while also supple and well-rounded. Boasting a beautiful aromatic complexity and good structure, our wines can be enjoyed young, but also have great aging potential.
In order to obtain the high-quality grapes needed to make exceptional wines, Louis Bernard holds long-term contracts with about fifteen growers. Our oenologists and winemakers work closely with our growers, and we offer them incentives to surpass our defined level of quality. In this manner, we are able to obtain premium fruit year after year, enabling us to produce wines of consistent quality and style for a great value. Proof of our strategy’s success can be seen in the over thirty-five scores of 87+ points that we have received from Wine Spectator since 2000.
The Chartreuse de Bonpas, a 12th century convent located just outside of Avignon in Caumont-Sur-Durance, is home to our organically-farmed estate vineyards, 42 acres of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Viognier.
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Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most prestigious southern Rhône wine. It was here that the appellation contrôlée system began in 1923, when a group of local winemakers, led by Baron Le Roy, drew up a charter of six stipulations to regulate and safeguard the quality of their table wines. Decades later, the laws of the appellation contrôlée system remain largly unchanged.The Templiers originally planted vines in the region in the 12th century. Two hundred years later, it was the papacy of Avignon that continued the winemaking tradition. It was the new chateau (château neuf) completed by Pope John XXII in 1333 for which the wines of this region and the city itself are named.At its best, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a broad, generous, sinewy wine showing a range of dark, fruity flavors. The wines derive their uniqueness from several sources. The round red and cream-colored stones and galets, left by ancient Alpine glaciers, absorb heat throughout the day and then reflect it onto the vines during the cool nights. As a result, the grapes reach maximum maturity. Furthermore, the vines here benefit from the cleansing winds of the mistral, which keep them dry and free of undesirable diseases.Grenache accounts for 60% of the vines planted here, but because it can be unbalanced on its own, another 12 varietals (including five white ones) are permitted for use in making red wines. Châteuneuf-du-Pape white represents only 5% of the total appelation and is also a blend of up to six varietals. Yields are limited to 2.59 tons per acre.
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