At the heart of the great wines of the south, the Cuvée Laurence 2019 from the Domaine du Pegau asserts itself as a characterful Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sculpted by time and the mistral. Carried by meticulous harvesting and patient ageing in old oak foudres, it summons the scents of sun-drenched garrigue, the intensity of black fruit and the noble imprint of a pebble-strewn terroir. Here, the predominantly Grenache radiates softness while the Rhône blend conducts spicy nuances, a structure with smoothed tannins and a satisfying length. This wine speaks to aesthetes seeking more than a prestigious red—those who want a table wine that moves them, a presence that accompanies and elevates the meal. In the glass, depth pairs with clarity of expression, and each sip seems to tell of years of patience, the sure hand of the winemakers, and the secret accord between fruit and oak. The Cuvée Laurence 2019 stands out for its poise, its precision, its ability to combine amplitude and freshness, delivering a sense of fullness without weight, like a great musical theme that unfolds and lingers gracefully.

Blend and winemaking

From a typically Rhone-style blend dominated by Grenache, completed by other local varieties, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape expresses itself in a score where ripe fruit meets the discipline of ageing. The grapes, carefully sorted, yield a concentrated yet preserved juice that respects its identity. The long ageing of 4 years in old oak foudres shapes the backbone, rounds the edges, polishes the tannins and gives the wine a slow breathing without masking the terroir's character. Here, the wood is not decoration but a subterranean architecture that supports the fruit, the spice and the garrigue. This patient time allows the wine to gain precision, refine its texture and harmonise its many aromatic registers. The final blend aims for balance, breadth and structure, so each bottle delivers a coherent, readable and deeply enjoyable experience, faithful to the soul of the estate and the nobility of the appellation.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep ruby with garnet highlights, clear and dense, evoking good concentration and controlled extraction, with a shine that announces lively fruit.
• Nose : Intense red and black fruit—cherry, blackberry and cassis—lifted by pepper and gentle spices. The Provençal garrigue appears with thyme and bay notes, leathery touches and a hint of game smoothed by time.
• Palate : Broad attack, a fleshy and concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins with a silky grain. The balance relies on fine freshness; the finish stretches on spices and garrigue, with a tasty, harmonious persistence.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve the Cuvée Laurence 2019 around 16°C to reveal its aromatic clarity and the softness of its tannins. Prior aeration—45 minutes to 1 hour in a decanter—helps open the bouquet and further soften the structure. Store bottles on their side, away from light and temperature fluctuations, to preserve the fruit and the harmony achieved through ageing. The wine has a cellaring potential of 5 years and more, offering the option to enjoy it now for its ripe fruit expression, or in a few years for a more integrated profile where spices, leather and garrigue interweave with added depth.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : country terrine with herbs, black tapenade, pastries with sundried tomatoes and Nyons olives.
• Starters : sautéed cep mushroom tartines, pan-seared foie gras with figs, mushroom pie with rich jus.
• Main courses : herb-confit shoulder of lamb, roast beef, Provençal daube, traditional hare à la royale.
• Cheeses : aged sheep tomme, mature Cantal, cantalet, 24-month Comté to underline the wine's spicy depth.
• Desserts : pear poached in wine and spices for a luscious match with the fruit notes, or a square of dark chocolate with low sugar.

Occasions

The Cuvée Laurence 2019 accompanies moments when you want a wine that converses with the cuisine and evokes the Southern Rhône landscape.

• To celebrate a seasonal menu focused on roasted vegetables, flavourful meats and fragrant jus.
• At an intimate dinner when you want to offer a wine with assured character and impeccable presence.
• As a gift for a connoisseur, a nod to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape lover who appreciates garrigue accents.

Characteristics

• Name : Cuvée Laurence 2019, Domaine du Pegau
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2019
• Grape variety : Grenache-dominant, Rhône blend
• Alcohol content : N/A
• Ageing : 4 years in old oak foudres
• Bottle size : 75 cl
• Cellaring : 5 years and more
• Serving temperature : 16°C