In the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2023 from Château de Beaucastel reveals itself as a luminous score where texture meets aromatic grace. From an intimate 3 hectares plot planted in 1901, this cuvée draws its uniqueness from soil of galets roulés and molasse marine that stores daytime warmth, preserves nighttime freshness and imparts a vibrant minerality. Managed with biodynamic practices and harvested by hand at slight over-ripeness, it offers the rare combination of depth, energy and a gently enveloping mouthfeel. Rich without excess, precise without austerity, it speaks to lovers of fine wines seeking a grand gastronomic white able to elevate noble dishes as well as bold flavours. Its renown lies in its ability to travel through time, unfolding a complex bouquet of white flowers, acacia honey and stone fruit while retaining a saline thread and impressive presence at the table. Limited production, a patient signature, lasting emotion, this cuvée embodies the art of raising a great southern Rhône white with the rigor of craft and the poetry of place.

Assemblage et vinification

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is made from 100% Roussanne, planted in 1901 on a historic plot of the estate. The grapes, hand-picked at perfect ripeness with a touch of over-ripeness, are gently pressed by pneumatic pressing. Fermentation takes place partly in barrels (about 30%, including a fraction new) and partly in tanks (about 70%) to balance oak sheen and fruit purity. Ageing, lasting about 8 months, is carried out in barrels with lees stirring to enhance texture, complexity and persistence while preserving aromatic brightness. This meticulous vinification aims for harmony between power and tension, giving the cuvée a broad, precise style suited to long ageing. Every gesture accompanies the wine without constraining it, so it can express the truth of the vintage and the imprint of the soil.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour : Bright pale gold, clear, with sunny highlights announcing concentrated and luminous material.
• Nose : Deep bouquet of white flowers, acacia honey, dried apricot and quince, lifted by peach, frangipane, lime blossom and a touch of fine spices.
• Palate : Generous, creamy attack, a dense and mineral mid-palate, extended by subtle salinity. Very long, precise finish, driven by structure and a delicate tension.

Température de service et conseils

Serve the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes between 10 and 12°C in tulip-shaped glasses to reveal floral complexity and fruity depth. A gentle decant helps open the aromas and soften the texture. Take care not to chill it too much to preserve its relief. This great white has remarkable ageing potential, expressing itself fully from 2025 to 2039+, with an estimated peak between 2028 and 2033. Store bottles on their side, away from light, in a cool, steady cellar. On opening, let the wine breathe briefly, observe the bouquet's evolution, then pair it with dishes of equal stature for a consummate gastronomic experience.

Accords mets et vin

• Noble seafood: roasted lobster, its pearly, buttery flesh gracefully embraced by the wine's velvety texture.
• Rice and truffle: creamy truffle risotto, a dialogue of creaminess, umami and spicy depth.
• Poultry and mushrooms: guinea fowl or free-range poultry with mushrooms, a rich jus that answers the Roussanne's controlled power.
• Blue cheeses: veined cheeses, a contrast of salinity and honeyed sweetness, with magistral length.
• Indulgent vegetable dishes: gnocchi with parmesan cream, roasted root vegetables, walnuts and fresh herbs.

Moments de dégustation

The Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2023 is the ideal companion for:

• A gourmet dinner where precision and length serve haute cuisine.
• A special occasion calling for an iconic, rare and memorable white.
• As a standout gift for a Rhône aficionado and lover of ageworthy wines.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2023, Château de Beaucastel
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : Dry white wine, Fine wines
• Vintage : 2023
• Grape variety : Roussanne 100%
• Terroir : rolled pebbles and marine molasse
• Viticulture : biodynamic viticulture
• Vinification : pneumatic pressing, fermentation 30% barrels, 70% tanks
• Ageing : about 8 months in barrels with bâtonnage
• Plot : old vines planted in 1901, surface approx. 3 ha
• Production : limited, about 6000 bottles per year
• Service and ageing : 12°C, decanting recommended, 2025–2039+, peak 2028–2033