2020 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Winemaker Notes:  As at many family domaines with deep roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, vigneron Alexandre Favier was by his own account “raised in the vineyards”: Alexandre’s grandfather, Noël Sabon, is from one of the best known winemaking families in the region. Alexandre himself began his viticultural studies in Orange at the age of fifteen and passed the exams four years later in 2001. A year later (at age twenty!) he took over winemaking duties at the domaine when his father experienced health problems.

This is a traditional house with 40 hectares of red grapes and 5 hectares of white. They have parcels in all of the main soil types of Châteauneuf and they vinify the top parcels separately. Only native yeasts are employed in the cellar, and the reds are mostly de-stemmed.

65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. The wines are made in 70% in tank (stainless steel and cement) and 30% in used barrels. 

Madeline Triffon, MS Selection:"Value Alert!  Showing very well in its youth, with dusty earth and dried herb scents. Traditional and complex."

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "Lots of ripe red and black berry fruits as well as toasted spice, violets, nori, and candied orange emerge from the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, fresh, and focused barrel sample. It certainly has the vibrant, lively style of the vintage yet still brings plenty of tannins and structure. I'd give it a few years and enjoy over the following decade. Range: 91-93"