Ohhh the chocolate!

The summer seems as if it has flown by once again. With wine
in hand I sit back and mull over all the things that didn’t get
done this year. Reassuringly in late December when everyone
else is stressing about their New Year’s resolutions, I will be one
step ahead of the masses by pulling out the list that was never
accomplished this year and make it the New Year’s mission.

This matter of resolutions was provoked by the fact that in my glass
was a wine called Chateauneuf du Pape. Fortunate enough to be
drinking a 2007 gem from Chateau Beaucastel, it was as stunning
as the remembered 1990 that was shared with friends on my 28th
birthday, another year that didn’t accomplish much. Intense,
young, full of smoke and chocolately notes. Ohhh the chocolate!
Strong-balanced tannins and gorgeous amounts of ripe fruit and
herbal essence.

There are thirteen grape varieties grown in the Châteauneuf-du-
Pape appellation most of which are Mourvèdre and Grenache,
Syrah, Counoise, Cinsault. Grenache and the Cinsault give the wine
its colour, intensity and softness. The Mourvèdre, Syrah, Muscardin
and Vaccarèse give the wine its renowned ageing potential and
dark, classic character. The Counoise, Picpoul and other varieties
provide freshness, fragrance and aroma.

Chateauneuf (new castle), which is now a ruin, was the summer
home of the Avignon popes in the 14th century. Most bottles will
carry the papal coat of arms, featuring a mitre and crossed keys.
After having a taste of this wine it is simply enough to encourage
one to pray for a miracle in new resolutions.

Chateauneuf du Pape can be found at any great wine store,
Sainsbury’s and on line at Ciao.co.uk/foodanddrink and will set you
back anywhere from £12.00 £70.00.

(S.Ramsay, W’est Solutions)