REMAINING STOCK: M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Blanc 2022 (750 ml)

Appellation & Producer:
From the celebrated Rhône-Valley crus of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this cuvée comes from the historic house of M. Chapoutier, whose commitment to biodynamics and terroir-driven wines is well known.

Vintage Overview:
The 2022 growing season was marked by heat and drought, demanding attentive vineyard management to preserve balance and acidity. The result: a luminous and refined white that expresses both power and freshness.

Vineyard & Terroir:
Grapes are sourced from old quaternary terraces of the appellation, where rounded Alpine pebbles (“galets”) overlay clay-rich matrices. Hand-harvested and organically grown, the vines produce small yields of concentrated fruit.

Blend & Winemaking:
This Blanc is a thoughtful white blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Clairette and Roussanne. After hand-harvest and gentle handling, it underwent 8–12 months of ageing in a combination of French oak demi-muids (600 L) and stainless-steel tanks on fine lees, to impart structure while preserving vibrancy.

Tasting Notes:
Visually, the wine shows a brilliant golden yellow hue. On the nose, delicate florals such as vine blossom and lily open into richer aromas of candied citrus, honeyed tangerine, ripe pear and a subtle stony minerality. On the palate it is medium-to full-bodied, refreshingly balanced, with energetic acidity, fine texture and a lingering finish marked by citrus peel, white stone fruit and the seamless integration of oak.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
An elegant match for grilled or roasted white meats (think chicken supreme or veal), seafood such as monkfish or scallops, or creamy soft-cheeses and brandade. Also excellent as a stand-alone aperitif.

Serving & Cellaring:
Serve at around 10–12 °C (50–54 °F). While already accessible, the wine promises graceful evolution over the next 5–8 years, with its underlying acidity and terroir imprint offering further depth with age.

Why it stands out:

• From a top producer whose white Rhône wines are less common than reds, making this a distinctive choice.

• Utilises old-vine fruit and proven organic/biodynamic viticulture.

• Balanced combination of richness and freshness, delivering both immediate pleasure and cellaring potential.

• A compelling way to showcase white wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an appellation better known for its reds.