In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: ripe blackberry, thyme, iron, dried cherry, earthy spice

Palate: dark plum, leather, tobacco, firm mineral tannins, long finish

Traditional-style Chateauneuf from the Michel family: deeply coloured, earthy, herb-driven, and structured with good acidity and firm tannins built for ageing.

What it pairs with

  • Daube de boeuf Provencale
    Earthy and herb-driven, the wine mirrors the slow-braised beef and olive dish.
  • Roasted rack of lamb with thyme and rosemary
    Herb notes and firm tannins make this a natural with roasted lamb.
  • Pigeon casserole
    Iron and leather notes match the gaminess of roasted pigeon.

History

The Michel family estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, run with a conservative, traditional philosophy. The domaine produces a single Chateauneuf rouge from old Grenache and Syrah vines, unfiltered and aged in old foudres.

  1. 1979 — Le Vieux Donjon established as an estate-bottled Chateauneuf
  2. 2000 — Second generation Michel family continues traditional winemaking approach

Facts

Producer
Le Vieux Donjon
Grapes
Grenache (70%), Syrah (15%), Mourvedre (10%), Cinsault (5%)
Classification
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Oak
Old large foudres; no new oak; no filtration
ABV
14.5%
Price
EUR 50-80 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
1979

Tags

cellar worthy cinsault dry firm tannin full body grenache hidden gem medium acid mood bold mood rustic mourvedre occasion cellar occasion dinner party old vines old world pairs with charcuterie pairs with game pairs with red meat price premium still red syrah
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