Winemaker Jean-François Ranvier
Winery R&D Vins
Appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Country France
Grape Varietal Grenache Vieilles Vignes 90% - Syrah 5% - Mourvèdre 5%
HISTORY
Francois Dauvergne and Jean-François Ranvier are R&D Vins. As put by the famous French wine critics Mr. Bettane & Mr. Desseauve, they "belong to a new generation of young negociants highly involved in the production of their wines with strong ties and implication with the wine grower friends, eventually producing a wine that cannot be truer to the terroir".
TERROIR
The vines are planted in a soil of round and chalky stones on small plots west of the city of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and strong winds known as Le Mistral.
VITICULTURE & VINIFICATION
The 45 year old vines produce a low yield of 30 Hl / hectare. Grapes are destemmed before undergoing a classic long and gentle fermentation.
AGEING
In foudre for some of the blend. In concrete vats for the majority of it.
VINTAGE
After a beautiful Indian Summer in Fall 2005, the winter was particularly cold with morning frosts. The vines started to bud late before entering a warm 2006 Summer. Significant temperature fluctuations between day and night encouraged the fruit to gain color and promoted well-balanced maturation. This 2006 vintage shows very good acidity balance that will enable the wine to age long and that will keep the freshness of the aromas.
STYLE
Eye: Elegant ruby color.
Nose: Fruit basket of complex cherry and black currant flavors intermingled with a touch of spices and licorice.
Palate: Cherry and blackcurrant flavors, powerful yet smooth tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Will enhance any red or white meat dish, such as roasted beef and hearty
chicken dishes.
WHEN TO DRINK
Now and up to 6 years, all year long.
TECHNICALS
Alcohol: 14.5%, Total acidity: 3.26 g/l, PH: 3.64, Residual sugar: 2.48 g/l
French Blonde 2008
Les Cles du Paradis
