Tardieu Laurent : Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2016

A well-balanced Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine with a rich aromatic palette

The estate

Passionate about both wine and terroirs, Michel Tardieu and his wife founded the Tardieu Laurent estate in 1996. Over the years, this estate has become an essential reference among the most beautiful wine bottlings in the Rhône Valley.

For two generations, this family estate has been enhancing the vineyards of many iconic appellations (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu, Hermitage, Vacqueyras, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, etc.) by producing aromatic and delicate wines, that are the result of a rigorous vinification process.

The wine

Tardieu Laurent's 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" stems from a tapestry of vineyards that are located on different terroirs (La Crau, Les Gardioles, Coste Froide, Cabrières and Bois Dauphin). The Syrah vines are around 50 years old, the Mourvèdre vines are between 60 and 80 years old and the Grenache vines are between 80 and over 100 years old.

Vinification and ageing

Following the harvest, 1/3 of the grapes are destemmed. The wine is first aged for 12 months in first-fill barrel and then aged for a further 12 months in tuns.

The blend

Grenache (85%)

Syrah (10%)

Mourvèdre (5%).

Tardieu Laurent’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

This wine boasts an alluring opulence and amplitude that beautifully blends with a delicate texture and a rare density.