Region: France, Southern Rhone

Grape variety: Grenache & Syrah

Background: This wine was created in 1952 by Charles Brotte with the co-operation of local provençale glass and ceramic craftsmen. The unique bottle shape represents the gnarled and twisted vines typical of the region due to their struggle of growing against the Mistral wind. The bottle is exclusive as they are the only winery permitted to use this shape.  

The Fiole du Pape is the bestselling Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the world.  

Winemaking process: Hand-harvested with berry selection, de-stemming and crushing before being put into vats. Each variety is vinified separately. A 20-day maceration period, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in concrete vats. Blending of dry wines and traditional maturation in traditional 100-year-old oak vats, for 1 to 5 years. A rigorous selection takes place before final blending of reserve wines of different vintages to obtain a Châteauneuf-du-Pape of consistent style and maturity. Bottling takes place only once these high standards have been reached.

Tasting notes: Deep and bright ruby. Fruity and spiced. Reminiscent of ripe berries, morello cherry, warm spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), truffles and cedar. Elegant and well balanced, fleshy and powerful, with long lasting aromas. A pleasure to savour.