Domaine des Cigalons AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2018

Approximately seven hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are organically farmed by Laure and Martial at Domaine des Cigalons, which has been in Laure’s family for four generations. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is the most famed for its soils containing high amounts of “galets” or rolled stones deposited by the river with little organic matter. Galets absorb heat from the sun during the day and radiate it back out at night, enabling grapes, in particular the late ripening varieties, to fully ripen. A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Syrah, the 2018 has mellow fruit, red apples, figs and red cherry aromas. It is medium bodied with a firm finish. Initial flavours of plums and raisins are followed by more savoury characters and a bitter cherry finish.