What started in a small but majestic town in the Southern Rhône centuries ago has become one of the world’s most recognisable reds: Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
‘Bring it on’ says Vinous of the 2022 vintage. Today we’re highlighting the delicious Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam 2022, a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah made by Benjamin Gras from Domaine Santa Duc. We recently visited Benjamin at the domaine and there’s no doubt that they’re producing some of the region’s most compelling and soulful reds. Their wines are ‘tiny-production gems and not easy to track down,’ says Joe Czerwinski of the Wine Advocate.
A 100% Grenache Noir from one of the masters of the Rhône is Chapoutier’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 2023. This enchanting red, also biodynamically farmed like Santa Duc, sees no oak and is purity and elegance personified. ‘Full-bodied, concentrated and neatly structured,’ this is an ‘alluring Barbe-Rac that’s full of so much life and energy that it almost feels weightless’ (Vinous).
Finally for only R295, we have Roger Perrin’s Côtes-du-Rhône Fruité 2023, a mini-Châteauneuf from a rising star. Offering spiced red berries, brambles, garrigue and pepper notes on the nose, and a juicy palate with chalky tannins that you can almost bite into, this red blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault will keep you coming back for more.
With Grenache having a moment globally and here at home, these are three stunning examples of what this grape can do and how it expresses itself in some of the most famous terroirs on the planet.
Tasting Notes:
Santa Duc Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam 2022
‘Lovely weight and generosity of fruit. This is more about acidity than tannins, which are fine, like wet clay. Perfumed violets and red fruits on the nose. A very drinkable, fluid style. 2024 – 2032.’ – Matt Walls, Decanter, 94/100
Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 2023
‘Prominent licorice, dried herbs, forest strawberry, black cherry and a whiff of crushed rocks introduce the complex 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe-Rac. Full-bodied, concentrated and neatly structured by ripe tannins, the 2023 is an immediately alluring Barbe-Rac that’s full of so much life and energy that it almost feels weightless. This is really good stuff. 2027 – 2044.’ – Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, 94/100
Roger Perrin Côtes-du-Rhône Fruité 2023
‘This 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault blend reveals spiced bright red and bramble fruits you can almost bite into, with nutmeg, dried garrigue and a slate resonant minerality. Pure and layered, it strikes a satisfying balance between lean but ripe fruit, a vibrant medium body and dry, grippy, chalk-like tannins. It is a charming wine will keep you coming back for more.’ – Jack Davis, June 2025
