Rooted in southern sun and patient know-how, the cuvée Tradition 2023 - Domaine Giraud explores the soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with an almost musical precision. A union of old vines and attentive work, it offers a score of red aromas and fine spices, held together by noble freshness. The lieux-dits Bois de la Ville, la Cerise, les Galimardes, le Tresquoys and Valori outline a varied terroir where rock, sand, clay and limestone answer one another. Here, the aim is clarity, balance and depth rather than showiness, to present a well-bred red that suits both a large family table and a dinner of connoisseurs. Tactile roundness, harmonious length, quivering minerality: this wine unfurls with poise and distinction, revealing a sought-after style that is ample, caressing and precise.

Blend and winemaking

Produced in the pure tradition of the estate, the cuvée is made from a blend of Grenache (majority), complemented by Syrah and a hint of Mourvèdre, from vines around 70 years old. A cold maceration precedes a gentle fermentation lasting about 3 to 4 weeks, favouring the most appropriate extraction to preserve the fruit's vibrancy. Aging is handled with discernment: enamelled cement and stainless-steel vats for Grenache and Mourvèdre, while the Syrah rests in used Bordeaux barriques for roughly 18 months. To retain all aromatic matter and texture, the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Dense and luminous, it announces a pulpy body and a delicate texture, promising an elegant mouthfeel.
• Nose : Basket of red cherries and strawberries, notes of kirsch, subtle florals and fine spices that open up with aeration.
• Palate : Gentle entry, mid-palate round and fleshy, silky, textured tannins woven together and supported by a savory freshness. The finish gains presence, crossed by a mentholatedminerality.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this cuvée at cellar temperature in large glasses to open the bouquet and honour the texture. A light aeration before serving will refine the fruit expression and reveal the floral and spicy nuances. Store in a cool, dark and stable cellar, bottles laid on their side, to allow time to polish the edges and enhance the harmony already perceptible. The ageing potential is high, the structure offering a savory and serene evolution.

Food pairings

• Gourmet aperitifs : fine charcuterie, black tapenade, homemade country terrine enhanced with herbs.
• Starters : knife-cut beef tartare, roasted vegetables with thyme, porcini velouté with shavings of aged Parmesan.
• Mains : roast lamb with jus, glazed duck breast, braised beef with mild spices, quasi of veal with aromatics.
• Cheeses : matured sheep's tomme, fruity Comté, ripe Brie de Meaux.
• Indulgent finish : slightly bitter dark chocolate, hazelnut praline, red berries in a light coulis.

Occasions to enjoy

The Tradition 2023 - Domaine Giraud is the ideal companion:

• For a wine-lovers' dinner where the dialogue between terroir and elegance is tasted.
• At a Sunday lunch where conviviality pairs with slow-cooked cuisine.
• As a connoisseur's gift for someone who loves assertive southern reds.

Characteristics

• Name : Tradition 2023 - Domaine Giraud
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : Red wine, fine wines
• Vintage : 2023
• Grapes : Grenache majority, Syrah, Mourvèdre
• Terroirs : rock, sand, clay and limestone, lieux-dits Bois de la Ville, la Cerise, les Galimardes, le Tresquoys, Valori
• Winemaking : cold maceration, gentle fermentation of about 3 to 4 weeks
• Aging : enamelled cement and stainless-steel vats for Grenache and Mourvèdre, used Bordeaux barriques for Syrah, about 18 months
• Finish : unfiltered and unfined to preserve texture and bouquet
• Service & cellaring : at cellar temperature, aeration recommended, high ageing potential