Domaine des Sénéchaux : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine des Sénéchaux

Tasting

Colour

This wine reveals a beautiful, vibrant garnet colour, a sign of dense material and good concentration.

Nose

The nose is seductive and powerful, giving off aromas of candied morello cherry and fully ripe red fruits, enhanced by delicate spicy notes.

Palate

The attack is powerful and opens onto flavours of jammy red and black fruits, interwoven with light spicy and peppery touches. The finish is elegant and slightly oaky, accompanied by subtle toasted notes that perfect the wine's balance.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red Châteauneuf-du-Pape pairs ideally with slow-cooked dishes such as beef bourguignon, lamb risotto or braised veal shank with truffled polenta. It also works beautifully with confit free-range poultry served with grilled vegetables, a pepper-crusted beef fillet, or wide pasta served with fresh mushrooms.

Serving and Cellaring

We recommend serving this 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a temperature of around 15°C, after decanting for about 40 minutes to allow it to express its full aromatic palette.

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rich in Fruit, Driven by Old Grenache Vines

The Estate

Domaine des Sénéchaux is one of the historic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose original plots date back to the 14th century, to the time of the popes based in Avignon. Assembled in its current form in the 20th century, the estate now extends over approximately 24 hectares in the southern Rhône Valley. Owned since 2006 by the Cazes family, who also run Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, with the Pradon family as co-shareholder since 2018, the estate perpetuates a know-how that combines Rhône tradition with Bordeaux rigour. It stands out for its old Grenache vines, some of which are up to 90 years old.

The Vineyard

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from a vineyard planted on the slopes and mid-slopes of the Bois Sénéchaux, in the heart of the appellation's plateau. The soils are a mix of rolled pebbles, clay and sand, resting on varied subsoils such as stony clay-limestone or molasse. The hot, dry Mediterranean climate is shaped by the breath of the mistral, which promotes grape ripening while limiting vine diseases. The red vines, including many very old Grenache vines, are managed with short pruning, soil cultivation and deliberately limited yields.

The Vintage

The 2016 vintage proved particularly favourable at Domaine des Sénéchaux, delivering grapes of great ripeness and a harvest rich in fruit. The conditions of the year allowed for high concentration while preserving a fine balance, resulting in an alcohol content of 15%.

Vinification and Ageing

The grapes for this 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape are vinified at controlled temperature, then the wine is aged in oak foudres, tanks and barrels for approximately 15 months. This combination of vessels allows for a measured contribution from the wood, preserving the purity of the fruit while adding structure and complexity.

Grape Varieties

The blend is composed of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre.