Philippe Bravay makes my preferred style of Chateauneuf du Pape. Never over-the-top, his wines are perfumed, complex, and loaded with classic Provencal character.
In the charming 2023 vintage, he made a gorgeous Chateauneuf that is both graceful and refined, packed with intricate flavors of berries, complex spices, and peppery garrigue. I know this because I had a glass after work last night, and it put a big smile on my face : )
Domaine de Ferrand is one of the smaller Chateauneuf estates, as Bravay owns just 7.5 hectares in the northern part of the appellation. He works in a very traditional manner -- organic farming, old vines, low yields, no oak, and minimal filtration. "I do not use barriques because I want the wine of my vines and not a technical élevage which loses the origins of the wine."
His commitment to making terroir-driven Chateauneuf du Pape is admirable, and he crafted one of the most sensual wines of the vintage. A blend of 80% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 3% Cinsault, and 5% Bourboulenc, it has "a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, ripe, silky tannins, and outstanding length," said Rhone master Jeb Dunnuck.
I concur with Mr. Dunnuck's notes, but I'll add a few of my own. What impressed me most about this wine was its silkiness and its refined tannic structure. For such a flavor-packed wine, it's downright creamy on the palate, offering up a texture that I usually only find in aged, top-flight Red Burgundies. I know this sounds a bit nuts, but I just call it like I taste it, and this tastes wonderful!
I recommend you let this put a smile on your face too, and this will pair well with lamb, beef, chicken, and pork, but no food is needed.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
