Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape Fiancée 2019

Winery Background and History:

Domaine La Barroche was founded in 1968 by the Barrot family in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. Spanning under 15 ha, the estate focuses on century‑old vines, handcrafted terroir‑driven wines with minimal intervention. Fiancée, introduced in the 2000s, became a flagship cuvée blending elegance and intensity, showcasing a modern yet traditional expression of Châteauneuf terroir 

Producer and Wine Maker:

Winemaker Julien Barrot crafts Fiancée parcel by parcel. The wine combines 100‑year‑old Grenache from Terres Blanches and young Syrah from Cabrières. Grapes are hand‑harvested, cold‑soaked, fermented with native yeasts in tulip‑shaped concrete vats, and aged for 20 months in foudres, barrels, and a cement egg. Bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve depth and purity 

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Grenache comes from early‑ripening sandy‑clay slopes; Syrah from a warmer plot adding color and power. The Mediterranean climate with mistral winds ensures ripe fruit with freshness. The 2019 season provided balanced conditions and optimal ripening 

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Following gentle extraction and 4‑week maceration, the wine ages in a mix of old foudres, 600‑liter barrels, and cement egg for 20 months. It stays on lees and is bottled without filtration, prioritizing textural integrity and expression 

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby color with purple hues. The nose reveals ripe black fruit, smoke, black olives, violets, spice, and nougat. The palate is rich and opulent yet energetic, with dark berries, pepper, roasted notes, and a persistent finish 

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with lamb, savory game dishes, truffle mushroom risotto, spicy beef tagine, spare ribs, and aged hard cheeses. Its balance of richness and freshness complements umami and dark meats ()

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Bordeaux glasses to focus aromatics and smooth tannins. Decant for 30–60 minutes to soften texture and release the bouquet.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar at 12–14 °C with moderate humidity. Best drinking window 2022–2037. Over time it will reveal leather, spice, forest floor, and earthy notes while maintaining freshness 

Grape Varietals & % used:

Grenache 50 % · Syrah 50 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

15 % ()

Scores:

Falstaff: 95 points 

Wine Spectator: 96 points 

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 points