Château Fortia, Tradition 2017 red (alc. 15.5%) (per 6) Bottle price € 32.50

Harvested entirely by hand and transported in small boxes so that nothing gets bruised. Fermentation process for 4 to 5 weeks and then between 18 and 24 months in oak barrels to become beautiful! Naturally, this is a blend with Grenache as the main grape variety. Characteristic of the 2017 is a dry summer with little yield but high concentration and therefore a super wine but also with a super price tag.

Price €32.50 per bottle and packed in boxes of 6

Below more about the winemaker and his background:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The vineyard extends over almost the entire municipality of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and over some plots of land with the same soil type of the 4 neighboring municipalities (Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange and Sorgues), in the Vaucluse department and on the left bank of the Rhône. Because of the stones in the soil it is difficult to plant new vineyards, which is why very old vines (30-70 years old) are often found there.

The bottle alone is eloquent, because it bears in relief on the glass the papal coat of arms of the city of Avignon: two crossed keys, those of Saint Peter!

In the 14th century, the popes, who had settled in Avignon, chose Châteauneuf-du-Pape as their summer residence. The 7 successive popes stimulated wine production and expanded the wine region. The strict production conditions partly form the basis for the later AOC legislation. This region was the first to receive certified status in 1936, Appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape Contrôlée.

A second special feature is that 13 grape varieties may be used. Well, okay then: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Rousanne, Picpoul, Picardon, Vaccarèse and Terret Noir. It is striking that there are also 5 white grape varieties.

Chateau Fortia

The history of this domain goes back to the 18th century. Various owners have each time bought an additional piece and tinkered with the castle, which has led to the current domain with a total of 30 hectares of private vineyards.

The owners of this domain, Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, and the current managers also maintain a tradition here. Understandable, especially since the family has worked to establish the certification of appellations. They were also involved in the creation of the first appellation in their region.