Le Passeur de Vin
Pablo Nedelec from Le Passeur de Vin is finally back in the Monday Food Letter. This week, he invites us to taste a Châteauneuf du Pape 2021, Domaine Mayard. First vintage for this new estate, created by Hugo and Arthur Mayard, the 6th generation of the family. This cuvée is made from a majority of 100-year-old Grenache (80%), complemented by Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The vines take root on the sandy terroirs of the northeastern part of the appellation, as well as on the famous “galets roulés” (rounded pebbles) of the southern terroirs, each complementing the other to bring finesse and elegant substance.
Grapes harvested at maturity are partially de-stemmed, placed in concrete vats and transformed by the action of indigenous yeasts without chemical inputs. Fermentation lasts 4 to 5 weeks, followed by 18 months of ageing before bottling. This first vintage is radiant, with notes of peony, faded rose, crushed strawberry and bitter orange on the nose, reminiscent of the wines of an eponymous estate in the region… The palate is suave and well-balanced, without sweetness, the wine is a harmony of aromas and flavors. There’s no doubt that if you cellar it for a few years, the magical result will reward your patience.
