At the peak of Southern Rhône expression, the Cuvée Da Capo 2020 from Domaine du Pegau stands as a major chapter of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A selection of grapes from the oldest vines of the historic parcels La Crau, Escondudes and Monpertuis, it highlights the nobility of the rolled pebbles, that mineral skin which stores heat and delivers exceptional ripeness. Aged for a long time in old oak foudres, the cuvée combines density, depth and an internal energy that only a great selection can achieve. 2020 deploys a sensory palette of rare intensity, where the splendour of dark fruit embraces the scent of garrigue and the brightness of spices. Tasting notes converge up to 98/100, confirming the stature of this sought-after bottle. Open it with patience, give it time, and you will experience the union of character and harmony that makes legendary wines.

Blend and winemaking

The Cuvée Da Capo 2020 is built around a dominant Grenache (about 70%), complemented by Syrah (7%), Mourvèdre (3%) and a chorus of old local varieties totalling 20% among the thirteen varieties authorised in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The grapes come from old vines rooted in rolled pebbles which regulate thermal amplitudes and promote even ripening. The wine is aged in old oak foudres for about two years, to refine the material without marking the wine, preserve the integrity of the fruit and polish the tannic framework. This patient approach, a signature of the estate, gives a sumptuous texture, savoury depth and longevity that place the cuvée among great wines for ageing.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Deep and luminous, concentrated in a way that betrays contained power, with a brightness that foreshadows the purity of the material.
• Nose: Intense bouquet of black cherry and blackcurrant, supported by sun-warmed garrigue, incense, sweet spices and pepper. Nuances of fine leather and blond tobacco, depth of dark fruit, a touch of resin and floral persistence.
• Palate: Broad, caressing attack, an opulent, silky mid-palate. The tannins, ripe and tight, structure a harmonious whole, tightened by a discreet freshness. Masterful, very persistent finish on spices, garrigue and dark fruit.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this Châteauneuf-du-Pape at cellar temperature, in large glasses that favour aromatic expression. Open the bottle at least 3 hours before serving or decant gently to reveal the complexity of the bouquet and soften the structure. The Cuvée Da Capo 2020 has a cellaring potential of 5 to 20 years and beyond depending on conditions, with an optimal window starting in 2026. Store horizontally, away from light and temperature variations, to preserve the wine's structure and graceful evolution.

Food pairings

• Gourmet aperitif: high-quality ham shavings, fine tapenade, mini puff pastries with black truffle.
• Starters: game terrine, roasted quail, pan-seared foie gras with reduced dark fruits.
• Main courses: herb-confited shoulder of lamb, Provençal daube, dry-aged rib of beef, roast pigeon with reduced jus.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, matured tomme, peppered pecorino, full-flavoured blue cheeses.
• Finish: pairs with a lightly sweetened dessert of confit dark fruits or a square of high-percentage dark chocolate.

Occasions

The Cuvée Da Capo 2020 is the preferred companion:

• To honour an exceptional dinner where gastronomy dialogues with wine.
• At a blind tasting among enthusiasts, when depth and length become the signature.
• As a prestige gift for those who cherish the great emotions of the Rhône.

Characteristics

• Name: Cuvée Da Capo 2020, Domaine du Pegau
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2020
• Grapes: Grenache ~70%, Syrah ~7%, Mourvèdre ~3%, other authorised varieties ~20% (13 varieties)
• Terroirs: La Crau, Escondudes, Monpertuis, rolled pebbles
• Ageing: about 2 years in old oak foudres
• Alcohol: 15.8%
• Opening: recommended to open at least 3 hours before serving
• Cellaring: 5 to 20 years and beyond depending on conditions
• Particularities: rare production, only in exceptional vintages, critics' scores up to 98/100 (97 Vinous)