2020 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is still surprisingly a bit of an unknown, cast in the shadow of its bigger red brother. It’s a shame because the white version is powerful complex and concentrated and a great food wine. It will also age well, taking on all sorts of complexities along the way.

So Domaine de la Charbonnière has been a favourite of ours for years, still a family run affair with 12 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 4.5 hectares in Vacqueyras. Michel Maret has now handed the running over to his two daughters. Véronique is the winemaker and sister Caroline runs the administration side.

This white is made from 40% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette and has an aromatic peach, there is a little waxiness but more of this oily weigh will show with a little more age.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc food pairing - Such a great food wine, Lobster, meaty tuna and goes well with smoked salmon. It has the weight and presence to go with light meats like pork and veal and of course chicken.