2023 Closerie de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Vaudieu

• Style: Deep, savoury Southern Rhône red blend
• Taste: Ripe cherry, blackberry, dried herbs, liquorice, soft tannins
• Food: Roasted duck, braised beef, herb-crusted lamb
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night
• Serve: 14.5% ABV, natural cork, drink now or age

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep ruby arrives with immediate generosity: ripe cherry and blackberry aromas mingle with dried herbs and liquorice, creating that signature tension between dark fruit and savoury spice. The palate is full-bodied without heaviness, with tannins that sit softly rather than demand attention. A wine you can enjoy now without apology, rewarding your choice with each sip.

The Winery — Château de Vaudieu

This 18th-century estate has been home to the Bréchet family for over 50 years, with Laurent Bréchet and his daughter Elise now stewarding 70 hectares across multiple sites just east of the town. The name 'Vaudieu' — meaning 'Valley of God' — reflects the beauty of this corner of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where diverse soils shift between sandy patches and the famous quartz stones that define the appellation. Vines averaging 65 years in age draw real depth from this prized terrain, neighbouring the legendary Château Rayas. Destemmed fruit spent time in temperature-controlled stainless steel with daily pump-overs before ageing in underground concrete — a method preserving freshness while building structure. The 2023 carries the vintage's ripeness at 14.5% alcohol without overreaching, sealed with natural cork that will age gracefully.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Roasted duck, braised beef, and herb-crusted lamb are natural companions; mushroom-forward dishes and soft cheeses work beautifully too. This is one of the finest expressions of what southern Rhône blends can offer at this level — a Full Bodied Red Wine that tastes like the place it comes from rather than a formula. Perfect for Sunday lunch or an intimate date night, it's a wine that reflects its terroir rather than chasing trends. Explore our wider France selection and our Châteauneuf-du-Pape range to discover more from this storied region.