Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Cabrières - 2013

Viniou Reviews

Château Cabrières 2013 from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic example of a southern Rhône red, typically blending Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with occasional touches of Cinsault or other permitted varieties. The 2013 vintage, marked by a cool spring and relatively balanced summer, tends to favour fresher, more structured wines with vibrant acidity and well-defined tannins. The wine is vinified traditionally, often with extended maceration to extract colour and structure, before ageing in a combination of large oak casks and tanks, which enhances complexity while preserving fruit purity.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the flagship appellation of the southern Rhône Valley, renowned for its galets roulés – the large, rounded stones covering the vineyards – which retain heat and help ripen grapes thoroughly. The Mediterranean climate here is warm, dry, and breezy, lending reliability and concentration to the wines. The region’s winemaking history stretches back to the papal residency in Avignon in the 14th century, reflected in both the prestige and tradition of its wines.

For food pairings, Château Cabrières 2013’s structure and spice make it ideal with robust dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Provençal herbs, beef stew (daube Provençale), or game meats like venison. The wine’s earthy undertones and herbal notes harmonise beautifully with Mediterranean vegetables, wild mushrooms, and tapenade. For a regional touch, roasted pigeon or duck breast with olive sauce would be excellent choices.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it at 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe for at least an hour. Decanting will help soften any remaining youthful tannins and allow complex aromatics to unfurl. This vintage is in a lovely window for drinking now, with further potential to evolve gracefully over the next few years.