Wine Selection:

Domaine Chante Cigale

Chateauneuf du Pape - Rhone, France

Great terroir now in the hands of award winning young winemaker ...

NEW Sep 2009.  Domaine Chante Cigale, located within the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, has been owned and operated by the Sabon Favier family for several generations.  Consisting of 42 hectares of land classified Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines produced from this Domaine can be considered as classic, well made, reasonably priced Châteauneufs.  Recently Christian Favier, the father, released the reins to his son, Alexandre, who is fast becoming the new rising star of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  Despite only being in his early 20's when he took over (now late 20’s) he has been lauded by notable journalists Steve Tanzer in the US and Jancis Robinson in the UK.  In five short years, he’s managed to win the regional Rhone trophy at the International Wine Challenge and clock up numerous other garlands from various critics and competitions. Definitely a young winemaker to watch.

Domaine Chante Cigale is located in a very stony part of Châteauneuf, where it is possible to find the famous limestone 'galets roulés' (round pebbles - see left).  The vines for the Vieilles Vignes are over 65 years old and are some of the oldest vines to be found on the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon).  Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes.

Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2007 - Rhone, France

A full-bodied white with rich, ripe pear fruit that develops into floral and herby peachiness. The wine has a long leesy character and fresh acidity. Attractive when young but worth leaving for a couple of years, which will allow the wine to develop some wonderful nutty and mineral notes. 8 year ageing potential.
Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2006 - Rhone, France
The wine has lots of spice, red and black fruits and damson aromas, with cinnamon, spices with concentration on the palate; then liquoricey richness and elegance to a long finish.  50 year old vines.
Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2006 - Vieilles Vignes, France
80 to 100 year old vines.  Dense red wine almost black crimson.  Dense nose, of black fruits, cinnamon and spices.  Very structured, long and elegant, intensifying on the first aromas with a persistence raised by torrefied notes of coffee, chocolate and toast.  Sensational.

 
 
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