Domaine de la Solitude Tradition Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge 2022

Domaine de la Solitude is a historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate in the southern Rhône, farmed by the Famille Lançon whose roots in the region reach back centuries. The Tradition Rouge is a blend led by Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties. The vineyards include the appellation's famous galets roulés, the large rounded stones that store the day's heat and release it overnight to ripen the Grenache fully, alongside sand and clay that bring freshness and structure. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate and the drying mistral wind concentrate the fruit. The wine is farmed organically, fermented with native yeast and aged fifteen months in a mix of concrete tanks and barrels, the concrete keeping the fruit pure while the wood rounds the tannin and adds a light spice frame. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is ripe black cherry and plum with pepper, liquorice, leather and the dried herb garrigue character of the region. The palate is full and warm at fourteen and a half percent alcohol, with ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast and braised meat.