A signature of a legendary terroir, Piedlong 2019 from the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe reads like a story of stone and light. Sourced from vines averaging 70 years old, rooted in the stony plateau of La Crau on the south-east of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, it concentrates the heat of the rolled pebbles and the breath of the beneficent mistral. The blend, dominated by Grenache Noir and complemented by a noble share of Mourvèdre, builds broad, finely chiseled material lifted by a mineral freshness that preserves the fruit’s momentum. Traditional winemaking, with gentle crushing, selective destemming and long fermentations in stainless steel and wood under strict temperature control, refines the aromatic expression without constraining it. Extended ageing in French oak foudres gives the wine an aristocratic poise, sumptuous tannin texture and length that will develop with time. Today the nose opens on a harmonious score of ripe black fruit and spices, wild strawberry and peony, threaded with Provençal herbs and peppery garrigue and marked by a discreet minerality. On the palate, the substance unfolds with presence, supported by grainy, silk-like tannins and a mouthwatering frame typical of great terroir wines. An exceptional creation that transcends the ordinary to reveal the French art of living, from first perfume to the last spicy echo.

Blend and winemaking

Made predominantly from Grenache Noir (about 90%) and complemented by Mourvèdre (about 10%), Piedlong 2019 showcases pure fruit and the verticality of its terroir. Berries from this historic vineyard are rigorously sorted, lightly crushed and partially destemmed to preserve berry integrity and delicate tannins. Fermentation, carried out over a period of 25 to 40 days in stainless steel and wooden vats, takes place under controlled temperature to capture freshness, aromatic precision and textural finesse. Ageing, for 20 to 22 months in foudres de chêne français de 60 hl, accompanies the wine’s patina without highlighting the wood, developing a pure frame, a silky mouthfeel and perfectly sustained length.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet highlights, clear and vibrant, announcing both density and elegance.
• Nose: Complex bouquet of succulent black fruits, blackcurrant and blackberry, joined by wild strawberry, peony and potpourri accents. Notes of pepper, sweet spices, Provençal herbs and peppery garrigue, with a discreet mineral imprint.
• Palate: Generous attack followed by precise development, supported by grainy, velvety-textured tannins. Fresh drive, underlying minerality, long finish lifted by spices and a subtle saline relief.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve in a wide glass to let the aromatic richness and floral detail unfurl. Decanting before service enhances the bouquet’s depth and softens the structure, particularly in its early years. Store bottles lying down in a cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations. Piedlong 2019 can be enjoyed with early charm and has excellent potential, with a recommended tasting window of 2023 to 2040, allowing the wine to gain complexity, spice definition and a velvety tannin coat.

Food pairings

• Warm starters: light game pie, herb-stuffed boneless quail, roasted vegetables scented with thyme.
• Hearty dishes: confit lamb shoulder, roasted pigeon with reduced jus, pepper-seared rib of beef.
• Provençal terroir: daube with olives, gardianne, sun-ripened vegetables, jus scented with garrigue.
• Truffle and mushrooms: creamy risotto, polenta with porcini, discreet truffle jus to underline the wine’s depth.
• Developed cheeses: ewe’s tomme, mature comté, well-aged washed-rind soft cheeses.

Occasions

Piedlong 2019 naturally accompanies great moments, when the table becomes a stage and every detail matters.

• A gourmet dinner focused on haute cuisine, for a subtle harmony between food and wine.
• A cellaring vertical to observe the vintage’s evolution and the tannins’ patina over time.
• A connoisseur’s gift for those who cherish terroir-driven wines that are both deep and luminous.

Details

• Name: Piedlong 2019, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Category: Fine wines
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2019
• Grapes: Grenache Noir 90%, Mourvèdre 10%
• Terroir: Stony plateau of La Crau, south-east of the appellation
• Winemaking: light crushing and selective destemming, fermentation 25 to 40 days in stainless steel and wood vats, temperature controlled
• Ageing: 20 to 22 months in foudres de chêne français de 60 hl
• Cellaring: excellent potential, window 2023 to 2040