Vintage 2020

A serene vintage, with harmonious vegetative development. The year was mild and the harvest and quality very early. The wines are fresh and delicately fruity. Slightly less concentrated and fresher than in previous years, they still boast great balance and subtlety.

The rainy winter replenished the soil's water reserves, which had been severely depleted in previous vintages. Rainfall totalled up to 500mm, and late spring was wetter than usual.

There was almost no water during berry growth, from mid-June to early August. However, sporadic rainfall prevented any risk of water stress.

Fairly mild winter temperatures led to an early bud-break and vegetation start, 12 days ahead of 2019. The following months continued the mild trend, with flowering in mid-May. With the exception of a one-off frost on March 25, which had little impact, progress towards Véraison was uneventful.

Summer was hot but not scorching: only 3 days out of 5 were over 30°C between June and September, with a peak of over 40°C around August 1st. Véraison began at the end of July and was rapid.

Harvesting took place from the 3rd week of August for the first whites, the Syrah at the beginning of September, and until mid-October for the last reds.

Some rain delayed the harvest and slowed the accumulation of sugars around September 20. This was a welcome event, as it accelerated the phenolic ripening of the Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes, further improving the quality of the harvested grapes.

Very healthy, they required little sorting. Alcoholic fermentation went very well.

The white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage 2020 are characterized by good acidity and elegance. The nose is marked by citrus fruit and freshness. On the palate, they combine aromatic intensity with good length.

The red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage 2020 present very tender aromas.

Their colours are less intense than in 2019, with slightly lower degrees, more freshness, purity of fruit and tannic finesse. The Syrah exude blackberry, white pepper and menthol notes, while the Grenaches bring aromas of fresh raspberry, “garrigue” or ginger, depending on the terroir they come from.

These Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 red wines have an elegant suppleness that makes them particularly well-suited to be enjoyed young, without altering their ageing potential.

White or red, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 vintage wines combine freshness and deliciousness. They can be enjoyed immediately or over the long term, in 15 to 20 years.