Domaine Santa Duc : Les Saintes Vierges 2017

A structured and sophisticated Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine

The estate

Located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain chain, Domaine Santa Duc has been writing its family history since 1874. At the helm of the estate since 1985, Yves Gras and his son Benjamin produce wines which, through their quality and refinement, greatly contribute to the glowing international reputation of Rhône Valley wines.

Produced using organic and biodynamic practices since 2016, these exceptional terroirs give rise to fine wines that harmoniously express the identity of emblematic appellations such as Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône.

The vineyard

Domaine Santa Duc's 2017 Les Saintes Vierges is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine that stems from the estate's historic vineyard, located in the eponymous locality to the east of the appellation. This 1.2-hectare terroir is unique due to both its 70-year-old vines and its mixed plantings of three typical grape varieties of the appellation.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are first sorted in the vineyard and then on a sorting table. Partial destemming, the percentage of which varies depending on the vintage. The grapes are vatted by gravity before undergoing a 20 to 30-day fermentation in stainless steel vats, with daily pumping over and punching down. Pressing in a pneumatic press followed by malolactic fermentation in vats. Aged for 18 months in oak tuns and clay jars before bottling without fining or filtration.

The blend

Grenache (80%)

Mourvèdre (10%)

Counoise (10%).

Les Saintes Vierges 2017 by Domaine Santa Duc: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

This wine exudes alluring floral and spicy notes along with pleasant tannins that harmoniously blend structure and finesse.