Ding ding ding! Gloves on please…
This French head-to-head is going to be an exceptional showdown. Don’t miss your chance to enter the arena and watch them battle it out for the top spot! Will Châteauneuf secure the title, or will the underdog Côtes-du-Rhône be a surprise contender in this battle royale?
Châteauneuf Création d'Émilie Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 Châteauneuf is the jewel of the southern Rhône's crown, producing reds of prized depth and power. The Gold-winning & Robert Parker 93pt Création d'Émilie combines the four main terroirs of the region, “The most famous terroir is the plateau of Le Crau” (The World Atlas of Wine). Then Les Serres, great for Grenache, and finally, Les Plagnes and Le Parc, both excellent for Syrah. The 2020 has ripe, rounded tannins, dark berry fruits, white pepper and herbal spice complexity.
Le Prince de Courthézon Côtes-du-Rhône 2022 Outstanding Châteauneuf du Pape winemaker Thierry Ferlay's impressively rich Rhône has accumulated a haul of Gold medals over the last few vintages. Here's his 2022 release – and it's as good as ever. The reason it's not labelled Châteauneuf (and is not twice the price!) is that the grapes are from vineyards next door to the famed appellation. What they do share is the same rocky soil that promotes richness and ripeness – and vines that are similarly aged, giving tiny quantities of concentrated fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from vines next door to Châteauneuf combine beautifully to give herby, velvety black fruit, liquorice and spice.
As close as you could hope to come to an authentic Châteauneuf style without paying the premium. Finest Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from neighbouring vineyards combine beautifully to give herb-scented, velvety black fruit, liquorice and spice.
The 2020 has terrific density, ripe tannins, dark fruits and delicious freshness. For drinking now, decant in advance and serve with roast game, lamb or ratatouille.
