Dressed in a deep, intense colour, La Crau 2023 du Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe expresses the greatness of an emblematic Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir. On this plateau swept by the mistral, the Mediterranean soul slips into a wine of aristocratic bearing, where concentration marries freshness with rare eloquence. The bouquet opens with ripe black fruits, blackcurrant and black cherry, underscored by kirsch and garrigue infusion, then unfolds toward gentle spice notes. On the palate the drive is upright and vibrant, and the body, perfectly framed, delivers a controlled power that marks the great bottles for ageing. Hand-harvested and matured for a long time in large foudres, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape is un-fined and unfiltered to preserve the integrity of its sap. It appeals to lovers of pure, finely sculpted expressions, to those seeking a great red for the table that can converse with bold cuisine. Rated 97-98/100 by James Suckling, it stands as a contemporary reference, ready to be enjoyed today with refined cooking or to be cellared for a revelation refined by time. On Louvins.fr, you have access to an icon of the southern Rhône, ready to elevate your seasonal meals and exceptional moments.

Assemblage et vinification

La Crau 2023 comes from a traditional blend of the appellation, centred on Grenache Noir (around ~65%) supported by Mourvèdre and Syrah (around ~15% each), completed by a touch of Clairette and other historical varieties (around ~5%). The harvest is manual, with meticulous sorting in the vineyard and at the winery to keep only the healthiest berries. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and oak vats, with measured extractions to respect the integrity of the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. The 20 to 22 months élevage in large oak foudres (about 60 hl) encourages gentle micro-oxygenation that polishes the structure without imparting excessive oak. Un-fined and unfiltered, it retains all its aromatic density and texture, delivering a straight, nuanced expression deeply faithful to the site. The alcohol level sits in a balanced range, around 14 to 15%, supported by freshness that lengthens the finish and promises harmonious development over several decades.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour : Deep and intense, glossy, it signals definite concentration and measured extraction, promising dense yet well-held material.
• Nose : Complex and seductive, it blends blackcurrant and black cherry, underlined by kirsch and an infusion of garrigue. Subtle sweet spice, fine pepper and a balsamic touch lift the whole toward classic elegance.
• Palate : Precise, fresh attack, a broad and vibrant mid-palate, racé tannins perfectly rounded. Power remains controlled, while a saline, spicy thread stretches a long, calm finish, built for ageing beyond 25 years.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve at 17°C in large wine glasses to favour aeration and aromatic expression. When young, a 1 hour decant will refine the contours and reveal the complexity of spice and garrigue. Store bottles in a cellar, away from light and temperature fluctuations, ideally lying down to preserve the cork. The wine has a cellaring potential of over 25 years, with a gradual opening phase where the black fruit gains depth, the bouquet enriches with truffle and dried herbs, and the texture develops a sumptuous velvety coat. For your dinners, anticipate aeration and provide a fine carving at the table to match its nuances with pan juices.

Food pairings

• Bold aperitifs : thin slices of cured ham, black tapenade, confit olives, to call up the garrigue as a discreet prelude.
• Starters : game terrine, roasted quail with herbs, mushrooms grilled in olive oil, which answer the depth of Grenache.
• Main courses : daube de bœuf slowly braised, grilled côte de bœuf, roast lamb with thyme, hare or wild boar stew, for a match of texture and aromas.
• Cheeses : aged comté, salers, ewe’s tomme, old mimolette, whose maturity pairs with the wine's structure.
• Desserts : little inclination for sweetness, but a lightly sweetened thin tart of black fruits can conclude delicately.

Moments to enjoy

The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, La Crau 2023 suits moments when the table becomes a stage and conversation an art of living :

• For a gourmet dinner where slow-cooked dishes, rich pan sauces and Mediterranean herbs find a majestic echo.
• As a great cellar wine to lay down in your cellar, to open for anniversaries or important reunions.
• As an exceptional gift for an informed enthusiast, symbol of Mediterranean elegance and stylistic consistency.

Characteristics

• Name : La Crau 2023, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : Red wine, Fine wines
• Vintage : 2023
• Grape varieties : Grenache Noir ~65%, Mourvèdre ~15%, Syrah ~15%, Clairette and others ~5%
• Alcohol : around 14 to 15%
• Vinification : fermentation in stainless steel and wood vats, manual harvest
• Ageing : 20 to 22 months in oak foudres, un-fined and unfiltered
• Service : 17°C, decant recommended 1 h when young
• Cellaring : over 25 years
• Score : James Suckling 97-98/100