Domaine Pierre Usseglio - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Magnum Première Pierre rouge 2023

Keywords : Power / Velvety / Aging potential

The wine : The power of Châteauneuf-du-Pape deserves good company, and this magnum of the Usseglio family’s Première Pierre Rouge is made for sharing. Morello cherry, plum and blackberry deliver intense, generous fruit, lifted by pepper, cinnamon and fragrant Mediterranean herbs. Barrel ageing adds a subtle toasted note that blends beautifully into the wine. On the palate, a dense, velvety texture combines depth with elegance, giving this red fullness without heaviness. Already expressive, it can develop further complexity over fifteen years or more under good cellaring conditions. A large-format bottle to share over slow-cooked lamb shoulder or a Provençal beef stew, taking time to savour every nuance of this fine Rhône red.

Volume : 150cl

Type : Red wine

Grape varieties : 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 5% Clairette

AOC : Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Aging potential : Ready to drink now and can be kept until 2043

Serving temperature : 16-18°C

The estate : The Châteauneuf story of the Usseglio family dates back to 1931, the year when Francis Usseglio left Italy to settle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and work there as a farm laborer. In 1948, he had the opportunity to farm 8 hectares of vines as a sharecropper and thus decided to create his own estate. His son Pierre succeeded him and continued to develop the family business. Now comprising 39 hectares, including 25 in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 6 in Lirac, 6 in Côtes-du-Rhône, and 2 in AOC Vin de France, the vineyard is now managed by Pierre’s two sons : Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio. The two brothers oversee a remarkable heritage of vines, half of which are over 65 years old, as well as a great variety of terroirs including the famous rolled pebbles but also clay-limestone and sandy soils. The estate has now become a benchmark operation in the region, and all production enjoys a very high level of quality thanks to outstanding work in the vineyard as well as in the cellars.