Among the most accomplished expressions of its appellation, the Famille Isabel Ferrando 2021 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC unfolds with a gustatory precision in which the nobility of Grenache pairs with the airy notes of Cinsault, the backbone of Mourvèdre and the shadowy accent of Syrah. Sourced notably from the Serres parcel, this terroir-driven wine embraces the identity of pebble-strewn soils, garrigue and southern breezes. The whole-bunch harvest, fermentations by indigenous yeasts and the distinctive interplay of demi-muids, amphorae and glass demijohns preserve the fruit's radiance and sculpt an exquisitely delicate texture. Generous without affectation, elegant without fragility, this 2021 offers a clear reading of its terroir and a palate presence that invites gastronomy. It speaks to aesthetes seeking fine wines, to those who prefer nuance over showiness, depth over spectacle, and who enjoy watching a great red evolve gracefully over the years.

Blend and vinification

The beating heart of this cuvée is a blend led by old-vine Grenache, rounded out by Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah, a composition where flesh, energy and aromatic drive answer one another subtly. The whole-bunch harvest is handled with care to preserve the wine's structure and to highlight its length. Fermentations occur naturally, thanks to indigenous yeasts, revealing a pure, vibrant aromatic framework. The choice of varied vessels, demi-muids, amphorae and glass demijohns, encourages gentle extraction, refines the tannins, polishes the material and respects the integrity of the fruit. This approach, informed by organic practices, favours transparency of the Serres terroir, for a signature that is luminous, complex and singular.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: deep and luminous, with a sheen that promises finely chiselled material and a high purity of expression.
• Nose: a refined bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, evoking cherry flesh and wild strawberry, lifted by a breeze of garrigue, thyme, mild pepper and a floral touch. Darker nuances unfold with aeration, blending fine cocoa, citrus zest and a hint of liquorice.
• Palate: generous attack, satin texture, powdery tannins. The mid-palate gains depth without losing its poise. Long, straight finish, punctuated by spicy relief and a fine salinity that invites another glass.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Châteauneuf-du-Pape slightly below room temperature, in large wine glasses that encourage the bouquet to open and the texture to show precision. A gentle decant will reveal the full complexity of the fruit and spices, particularly in its early years. Store bottles away from light, in a cool, stable cellar to support its harmonious development across several vintages. This cuvée presents a reliable aging potential, with a prime drinking window opening now and extending through the decade.

Food pairing

• Gourmet aperitifs: delicate charcuterie, shavings of aged ham, black tapenade and herb puff pastries.
• Starters: hand-chopped beef tartare, citrus-roasted beets, puff pastry pie with mushrooms.
• Mains: herb-roasted milk-fed lamb, roasted pigeon with a reduced jus, Provençal daube with citrus zest, truffled veal fillet.
• Cheeses: aged comté, sheep's-milk tomme, Époisses at room temperature, fully ripened brie.
• Saline finale: characterful olive oils, grilled vegetables, seasonal gratins that enhance the wine's garrigue notes.

Moments to enjoy

The Famille Isabel Ferrando 2021 is the perfect companion:

• To celebrate an exceptional dinner where elegance invites conversation and precise pairings.
• At a Sunday meal around a roast joint and caramelised root vegetables.
• As a refined gift for an informed lover of fine southern Rhône wines.

Details

• Name: Famille Isabel Ferrando 2021 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type: Red wine, fine wines
• Vintage: 2021
• Grapes: Grenache 75%, Cinsault 12%, Mourvèdre 11%, Syrah 2%
• Parcel of origin: Les Serres
• Fermentations: whole-bunch in demi-muids, amphorae and glass demijohns
• Yeasts: indigenous
• Farming practices: organic orientation
• Recommended ageing: 2023 to 2032 depending on storage conditions