Modern white Châteauneuf from one of the region's best dynamic young producers.
A stylish white with exotic apricot aromas, a full-flavoured, weighty palate with flavours of baked apples and white peaches and a rich, powerful finish. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
Domaine Chante Cigale, located within the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, has been owned and operated by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 102 acres of land classified Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines produced from this Domaine can be considered as classic, wellmade, reasonably priced Châteauneufs. Recently Christian Favier the father released the reins to his son, Alexandre, who is fast becoming new rising star of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite only being in his early 20's he has been lauded by notable journalists Steve Danzier in the US and Jancis Robinson, UK. Despite Chateauneuf being known for its red wine production, the area also crafts award winning white wines. The Domaine Chante Cigale produces 5 times more white wine than the other producers in Châteauneuf and it's Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has won several gold medals in Orange and Paris.
The domaine is located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir with the typical stony soil of galets roulés (rolled pebbles). A large part of the vineyard is located on the famous plateau de Cabrières, close to Château Montredon. Grapes for the white are from a 5 hectare vineyard in Travaillon. The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the pebbles, which naturally keeps yields low. Vines are 27 years old, the pruning method is Cordon Royat and harvesting is all by hand. Alexandre produces 5 times more white wine than the other producers in Châteauneuf.
Manual grape harvest with selective sorting. Fermentation at low temperature (66°F) 21 days in stainless-steel vats. Lees aging for up to 6 months. No malo-lactic fermentation in order to maintain a good acidity level. The wine is bottled early to keep as much freshness and aromas as possible. Approximately 25% of each grape varietal (Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc) was used.
Fuller flavoured pork or chicken dishes and rich seafood starters.