Viniou Reviews
Château de Beaucastel 2022 from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a red wine born from one of the most iconic estates in the Southern Rhône Valley. Its signature comes from a complex blend of traditional Rhône grape varieties, primarily Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise, and a scattering of others, all cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles. The 2022 vintage benefits from a warm, sunny year, encouraging deep ripeness and expressive aromatics. The terroir here is famous for its "galets roulés," large sun-warmed pebbles covering clay and sandy soils, which help the grapes reach optimum maturity. Vinification at Beaucastel combines traditional know-how and natural methods, ensuring precision and respect for the character of each grape.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, in Provence, benefitting from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, biting Mistral winds, and limited rainfall. The history of this region is deeply tied to the Popes who settled in Avignon, and the legacy of quality and tradition has shaped these wines for centuries. The diversity of soils and microclimates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape imparts complexity, structure, and longevity to the reds, which are renowned for their power yet also their finesse.
A classic Beaucastel is robust, ample, and layered—expect intense aromas of ripe black fruits, wild herbs (garrigue), licorice, leather, and a touch of spice. For pairing, look to richly flavored dishes that echo the wine’s depth. Provencal lamb stew, slow-roasted duck with herbs, or wild boar in sauce are wonderful traditional matches. Mediterranean vegetable gratins or ratatouille highlight the wine’s herbal nuances. For a French regional touch, try it with beef daube or aged sheep’s cheese from the region.
Serve this Châteauneuf-du-Pape at 16-18°C, having allowed it to breathe or decanted for an hour to fully reveal its complexity and aromatics. With a few years in bottle, Beaucastel gains even more depth, so this 2022 promises lovely drinking now but will reward patience if you cellar it well.
