Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC 2022, Rhône

Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is the estate’s classic red, drawn from parcels across the appellation’s varied soils in the southern Rhône. It is a traditional blend led by Grenache, recently around 65%, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and a little Cinsault. Alexandre Favier ferments with native yeasts and mostly destems the fruit, then raises the wine largely in stainless steel tanks with a portion in older barrels, so the focus stays on ripe fruit and the character of the vineyards rather than new oak.

The result is warm, generous and classic Châteauneuf. Expect a deep ruby colour and aromas of ripe red and black fruits, kirsch and plum, with garrigue herbs, black pepper and a hint of leather. The palate is full-bodied and rounded, with sweet fruit, gentle spice and smooth, ripe tannins leading to a long, warming finish.

Serve at 16–18°C, ideally after an hour in a decanter, with slow-roasted lamb, beef stews and daubes, game, cassoulet or hard cheeses. Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape is approachable now and will develop well for 8–10 years.

Domaine Chante Cigale is a family estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the southern Rhône, and one of the appellation’s notable family domaines. Winemaker Alexandre Favier grew up among its vines: his grandfather, Noël Sabon, comes from one of the area’s best-known winemaking families. Alexandre began studying viticulture in Orange at fifteen and took charge of the winemaking at around twenty. The estate has some 45 hectares, about 40 of red grapes and 5 of white, with parcels on all of Châteauneuf’s main soil types, and the top parcels are vinified separately. Alexandre farms organically, ferments only with native yeasts and mostly destems the reds, crafting generous, classic Châteauneuf with freshness and balance.