Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Cigale 2023

Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Cigale, Southern Rhone, France, 2023

Grapes: A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, organic, sustainable farming, oaked

Producer Tasting Note:

This is a traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with ripe black fruit aromas balanced by lightly herbal, oaky notes. The palate is generous with dark plum and black berry characters, and plump textured tannins, full-bodied but expertly balanced.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Partially destemmed and matured in a mix of foudres, large barrels and concrete tanks (80%), the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape is somewhat shy and introverted at this stage, opening with aromas of dark berries and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, it shows a sweet, juicy core of fruit tapering into a finish that is slightly marked by bitterness."  Drink 2025-2033

89/100 points, Yohan Castaing, WINE ADVOCATE, October 2025

"Tasted blind. Quite restrained on the nose. The palate shows ripe dark fruits and a richness, the tannins are layered, supple and broad. Some attractive fruit here and a rich, broad finish."  Drink 2027-2036

15.5/20 points, Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com, November 2024

Winemaking: The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the classic large peebles ('galets') found in this area, which naturally keep yields low. The vines are over 60 years old and situated near the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon). Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. The grapes undergo a traditional long 'cuvaison' at quite high temperature and with extended maceration on the skins, 21-24 days to extract plenty of colour, fruit and tannins. This is followed by ageing for between 14-18 months in 'foudres' (large oak barrels), 70% vats, 30% Burgundian pieces and casks.

Estate: Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices. Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.

Food Match: Try with traditional roast lamb, lentil and vegetable moussaka and any rich hot-pot that heavily features aromatic 'herbes de Provence'