Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les 7 de Pignan’
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Bosquet des Papes “Les 7 de Pignan” is a premium red wine from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in the Southern Rhône Valley.
- Made from grapes of 70-year-old vines, it comes from the northeastern Pignan district, featuring sandy soil with some clay.
- The name refers to seven selected vineyard parcels from the Pignan site.
Varietal Composition: 100 % Grenache Noir
Elaboration: 7 parcels were vinified separately. No destemming is used. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, followed by several days of cold pre-fermentation maceration. Daily *délestage* and pump-overs are done. The maceration lasts about 35 days, and aging occurs in large oak casks (*foudres*) for 12 to 15 months.
Tasting Notes: This cuvée displays a carmine red hue with subtle brick-red highlights. The fruit is remarkably pure, exhibiting beautiful intensity and elegance. The palate reveals peppery nuances, black cherry, and notes of menthol, lending the wine a great sense of aromatic freshness. The mouthfeel is unctuous, rich, and finely full-bodied, imbued with the velvety texture of perfectly ripe fruit. Delicate on the attack and marked by its freshness, this suave yet vibrant wine offers a beautiful, lingering finish. Excellent aging potential.
2022 – 96 Wine Advocate | 94 Jeb Dunnuck | 94 Vinous | 94 James Suckling
2023 – 95 Jeb Dunnuck | 94 Wine Advocate | 93-95 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Domaine Bosquet des Papes is a respected family winery that has been run by the Boiron family for six generations, since 1860. Located in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of the Southern Rhône Valley in France, the 32-hectare estate is renowned for its age-worthy red wines. Founded by Emmanuel Boiron, it is now managed by Nicolas and Jeanne-Claire Boiron. Originally called Clos Chantemerle, it was renamed Bosquet des Papes in 1966, meaning “the pope’s grove.”
The winery emphasizes traditional Rhône winemaking practices, focusing on producing wines that express the region’s unique terroir. Its vineyards span around 40 parcels, with an average vine age of 50 years, and some vines ranging from 70 to 100 years. The diverse soils include red sandstone, rolled river pebbles, sandy soils, and clay-limestone subsoils.