Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape Pure 2020

Winery Background and History:

Domaine La Barroche dates to 1968 near Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape and is family‑run on under 15 ha. Fruit is sourced from ancient vines planted on sandy clay and galets soils. The estate focuses on craft, terroir‑driven wines from century‑old Grenache vines. The “Pure” cuvée, introduced in the early 2000s, reflects the estate’s philosophy of expressing single‑plot purity through minimal intervention and extended aging practices 

Producer and Wine Maker:

Winemaker Matthieu Barroux leads production parcel by parcel. The Pure is made of 100 % old‑vine Grenache gently fermented and then matured in neutral demi‑muid barrels for c. 18 months before bottling. The process emphasizes minimal handling to preserve elegance, finesse, and varietal purity ()

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The Pure is sourced from a single 100‑year‑old Grenache parcel located on sandy clay soils near the Rayas blocks. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate with cooling mistral winds and excellent drainage gives ripe, focused fruit with bright acidity and classic northern Châteauneuf character 

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are destemmed, cold‑soaked, then fermented in open-top vats using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is transferred to neutral demi‑muid barrels and aged for 18 months on lees without racking before bottling, highlighting purity, texture, and freshness 

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby hue. The nose shows black raspberries, kirsch, licorice, peppery herbs, roasted meat, olives and rosemary. On the palate the wine is silky and mineral‑driven with concentrated black fruit, floral spice and savory finish. The texture is refined yet full of vitality and length 

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with herb‑crusted lamb, savory game dishes, Provençal stews, beef tagine, truffle‑accented mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses. The wine’s freshness and purity complement rich, earthy flavors ()

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Bordeaux glasses to frame aromatics and soften tannins. Decant for 30–60 minutes to open the bouquet and soften structure

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar between 12–14 °C with moderate humidity. Best drinking window is 2025–2040, during which time tertiary notes of leather, spice and forest floor will emerge while retaining freshness and refined tannins ()

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Grenache 100 % sourced from century‑old vines

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

15 % ()

Scores:

Wine Spectator: 95 points 

James Suckling: 94 points 

Jeb Dunnuck: 98 points