Intro to Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Cigale Blanc – Chateauneuf de Pape Chante Cigale Blanc from the Rhone Valley is a full bodied white with rich, ripe pear fruit that develops a floral peachy style over time. As the wine matures it becomes slightly nutty and complex. Full tasting note and wine making – Chateauneuf de Pape Chante Cigale Blanc is a stylish white wine with inviting warm, spicy aromas. The full-flavoured palate suggests poached ripe pears and white peaches and a long, lifted finish. The domaine is located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir with the typical stony soil and a large part of the vineyard is located on the famous plateau de Cabrières. Grapes for their white wine are from a 5 hectare vineyard in Travaillon and here the soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the pebbles, which naturally keeps yields low from vines that are 27 years old – Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc grapes are used. The domaine produces 5 times more white wine than the other producers in Châteauneuf. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel vats and kept on the lees for up to 6 months. No malo-lactic fermentation in order to maintain a good acidity level. The wine is bottled early to keep as much freshness and aromas as possible. The producer – Domaine Chante Cigale, located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has been owned and operated by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 102 acres of land classified Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines produced are considered as classic, well made, reasonably priced Châteauneufs. Recently Christian Favier the father released the reins to his son, Alexandre, who is fast becoming new rising star of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite only being in thirties, he has been lauded by notable journalists such as Jancis Robinson, UK. Despite Chateauneuf being known for its red wine production, the area also crafts award winning white wines. The Domaine Chante Cigale produces five times more white wine than the other producers in Châteauneuf and its Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has won several gold medals in Orange and Paris. Drink with – Fuller flavoured pork or chicken dishes and rich seafood starters go well with this wine.
