Domaine du Pere Caboche Cotes du Rhone 2015
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2016-
James
Suckling
Jean-Pierre Boisson, former long-serving mayor of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, runs Domaine Père Caboche with his children Emily & Nicolas. Members of the Boisson family have been both winemakers and blacksmiths for generations. The family nickname of Caboche derives from the old Provençal word for ‘horseshoe nails’ and their Vieilles Vignes cuvée is named after Elisabeth Chambellan, a local blacksmith’s daughter who married Jean-Louis Boisson in 1772.
"Since 1772, we have had parcels that have remained in the family, without there being any exchange or sale. The vines which are still there now are over 100 years old and produce an outstanding wine. The oldest parcel was planted in 1906. As a tribute and thanks to Elisabeth, we are today vine-growers from father to son and daughter." On the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, the Domaine du Père Caboche vineyard is covered with rolled pebbles on 17 hectares, with the greatest density on the famous soil of La Crau. They contribute to the density and fullness of our wines. On this sea of pebbles, the vineyard still offers different products, thanks to the different layers in the underground. The clay-calcareous soil helps the vines with their water retaining properties, which has become more and more important with climatic changes. Thus the wines appear to be softer in the mouth. Sand is also present in proportions changing from one soil to another, bringing notes of elegance and finesse.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.