Maison Lavau Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 – exclusive Rhône wine with great depth and silky elegance

Maison Lavau Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 is a classic and impressive red wine from one of France’s most iconic appellations. This wine combines concentrated fruit, refined spices and an incredibly elegant structure in a style that makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape unique among Rhône wines.

The grapes are harvested from old vineyards north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself, where the sandy terroir creates wines with extra finesse and a more silky character. The combination of warm days, cool nights and well-drained soil produces perfectly ripe grapes with both power and balance.

The cuvée consists of 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. After full destemming, the grapes undergo a long and gentle maceration in temperature-controlled tanks over approximately 30 days. During fermentation, intensive pumping over and rack-and-return are used to bring out the wine’s depth, color and complex aromas.

To achieve the right balance, half of the wine is aged in tank, while the rest is aged in large 450 liter barrels that have previously been used for one or two vintages. This aging gives the wine extra complexity and rounded tannins, while allowing the ripe fruit to shine through.

Maison Lavau Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 is made for gastronomy and great dining experiences. A perfect match for duck, game, guinea fowl and rich sauces, it’s also great with mature cheeses and classic French specialties.

Tasting notes

The aroma is intense and nuanced with dark cherries, ripe plums and elegant notes of cocoa and warm spices. The taste is full-bodied and harmonious with silky tannins, great concentration and a long, complex finish where dark fruit and spicy notes melt together in perfect balance.

The history of the house

Maison Lavau traces its roots back to 19th century Saint-Émilion, where the family’s passion for wine first began. The family later continued their wine adventure in Tunisia, where René Lavau and his son built a successful wine production that grew into the country’s largest.

In the 1960s, Jean-Guy Lavau and Anne-Marie Lavau returned to France and established Maison Lavau in Sablet in the Rhône Valley. Since then, the family has evolved into one of the area’s most respected names with a focus on terroir, quality and classic Rhône wines.

The next generation, Frédéric and Benoît Lavau, have continued the family vision by creating their own cuvées and investing in vineyards in Rasteau, Valréas and Côtes du Rhône, among others. The collaboration with Château Maucoil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape has further strengthened the house’s position among the serious producers in the Rhône.

Product information

• Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
• Grape varieties: 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
• Soil: Sandy terroir
• Winemaking: Long maceration in temperature-controlled tanks with pump-overs and rack-and-return
• Aging: 50% in steel tanks and 50% in 450 liter barrels for 12 months
• Serving: Duck, game, guinea fowl, pheasant and hearty meat dishes
• Serving temperature: 17-18°C
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 15%