Châteauneuf-du-Pape without breaking the bank

We all know the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC very well and its reputation for producing excellent wines is well established. The demand for these delicious bottles has been growing substantially in the past decade and as a result, these bottles are more on the pricy side and not for all pockets. We are sharing today a little trick to drink (almost) a Chateauneuf without breaking the bank.

The Perrin Family has been owning and operating the Domain of Beaucastel for 5 generations on a site that according to the legend was producing wine for the Popes since the 1321 (with evidence found as early as 1549!). This historical land has been the home of some of the best Rhone Valley wines but to be part of an AOC, a strict set of rules on the geography of the land must be met. Beaucastel planted wines that are at the outter limit of the appellation and they currently bottle and distribute under the name Coudoulet de Beaucastel.

With grapes maturing in a very similar soil and under the same climate as the Châteauneuf section, coupled with the expertise of the Perrrin family, this is not officially a Châteauneuf-du-Pape but that's the closest it gets. Obviously without the appellation name the price entry is much more accessible too.

Credit: SAQ - Coudoulet de Beaucastel

You will find it this red wine the classic traditional Rhone Valley grapes: Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault. It's a structured wine with good tannins and a strong body. With notes of violet, red fruits and a hint of dry flowers, it has a balanced acidity and deserves to be opened several hours in advance like any big red wine or you might find it a bit tannic and too strong on top of not enjoying its full potential.

The Coudoulet de Beaucastel red will age easily 5 to 15 years in a good cave similar to other grand cru from the Rhone Valley. Don't be in a rush to drink it, this one is good now but it can wait.

Credit: Caves from Domaine de Beaucastel

In terms of price it's listed around $32 at SAQ and LCBO. This bottle costs 30€ at the domain so our stores are presenting it at a reasonable price even if it's not the most affordable wine. In comparison, the red Chateau de Beaucastel is sold $100 at SAQ so this is a budget friendly way to discover this great wine making house.

It's red, it's structured and rounded so we recommend drinking it with red meat grilled on the barbecue, lamb chops or venison. It can also follow very well a cheese plate.

Cheers!

PS: We also tried the white one and we loved it!