Xavier Vignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Arcane La Papesse - Red - 2016

Wine:

With remarkable depth and volume, the 2016 Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arcane La Papesse exudes extraordinary elegance, revealing layers of spice, cedar, black fruit, and fresh leather. Perfectly balancing power and finesse, it delivers a precise, generous mid-palate, where fresh tannins, smooth texture, and seductive richness come together in perfect harmony. A truly impressive Châteauneuf, ready to enjoy now with a slow-cooked meat dish or to age gracefully for another ten years. Rated 94/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Hand harvested and sorted berries. The grapes are harvested and vinified in three different containers: truncated cone vats, concrete vats and stainless steel vats. Following the malolactic fermentation in November 2016, the wine is aged in various containers such as amphora, barrel, concrete tank, demi-muid and stainless steel tank. This phase of maturation in "Vinarium" is an innovative technique, consisting of plunging small barrels of 200 liters inside larger barrels. This process is implemented on this wine from 2017 to 2020.

Color:

Deep dark red.

Nose:

Powerful and delicate with intense aromas of cherry and plum underlined by notes of leather, cedar and a touch of chocolate.

Palate:

The wine begins with a precise and inviting first impression, unveiling a silky texture and velvety tannins that are perfectly integrated into its complex aromatic profile. The finish is long and elegant, delivering a truly memorable tasting experience.

Temperature:

Serve at 16 to 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Mushroom risotto, rack of lamb with dried herbs, chicken skewer with peppers, brie with truffles.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2031 and more for enthusiasts

An international expert and a key consultant behind some of the greatest successes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its surroundings, Xavier Vignon crafts his own cuvées with remarkable precision.

Recognized by the renowned American critic Robert Parker, this Rhône Valley artisan continues to push boundaries, exploring the region’s most promising and sought-after terroirs.

A master blender and talented winemaker, Xavier Vignon has become a go-to name for wine lovers who appreciate his precise, fresh, and vibrant wines. A relentless explorer, he continuously reinvents the South of France, shaping a style now celebrated by top critics worldwide.