Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape 2022
(Cotes du Rhone, France) - [JS 94]

About the winery:
The Lançon family descend directly from the 12th Century Barberini family of Rome.

The best known of the family, Maffeo Barberini, was a papal nuncio, or diplomatic representative, in Paris from 1604 to 1606, and was made Pope in Rome under the name Pope Urban VIII.

Two of his nephews became cardinals and a part of the family then settled down in Avignon. In the 1980s, brothers Michel and Jean Lançon took the future of Domaine de la Solitude in their hands, focusing attention on the vineyards.

Over the past several years, Michel’s son Florent Lançon has taken over the day-to-day operations of Domaine de la Solitude, continuing to make improvements while preserving the traditions of his father and uncle.

About this wine: 

65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise, 5% Cinsault

Historical cuvée produced since the 17th century, the Tradition Rouge is a blend of our different terroirs, on safres and on rolled pebbles and of the eight black grape varieties of the appellation. The entire vineyard is certified organic farming.
Yield: 32 hl/hectare.
Harvest: Harvesting is done by hand in 25 kg crates. 

Vinification and aging: 
• The grapes are hand-picked. 
• After a selection of the best bunches by hand on a sorting table, the grapes are crushed and destemmed and fall by gravity in our concrete tanks.
• Long maceration with gentle extractions allow to obtain velvetine yet powerful tannins, which are specific to our wines.
• 10 % of the wine is then aged in oak barrels and demi-muids for 15 month, 90% in concrete vats.

Tasting Notes: 
A bouquet nose of garrigue, flowers of cistus, blackcurrant buds. A mouth full of freshness and balance, with aromas of cocoa and morello cherry, with a long and liquorice finish.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Very attractive nose of raspberries, licorice and oranges with a touch of summer flowers. Round and silky on the full-bodied palate, the ample tannins are beautifully integrated, making the long, refined finish velvety. A cuvee of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% each of Mourvedre, Counoise and Cinsault from biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold." - Stuart Pigott (May 2024)