Vineyard Château Font du Loup
Vintage 2016
Country France
Region Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Type Still Red
Varietals The traditional cuvee is made from 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault,
Alcohol 14.0%
Winemaking A total of 13 grape varieties are allowed in Châteauneuf, the main grape Grenache. Syrah is secondary along with Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The vines average over 45 years of age. The grapes are fermented separately
Aging 12 months in foudres then racked into concrete tanks for another 6 months before bottling. Annual production averages 2,000 cases.
Description
La Font du Loup is both a famous lieu-dit, within the commune of Courthézon, and the name of the natural spring (the fountain of the wolf) in the center of the estate. Legend has it that wolves from Mount Ventoux would stop to drink here. Acquired by the Melia family in 1942, today the grand-daughter of the founder, Anne-Charlotte and her husband Laurent oversee the estate and the winemaking. In 1308, Pope Clement V moved his papacy to Avignon, north of Châteauneuf's vineyards. The literal translation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is "the Pope's new castle." In 1936 Châteauneuf became the first AOC in the Rhône and one of the first in France.