Domaine de Fontavin Châteauneuf-du-Pape Terre d’Ancetres 2016

Fontavin is an organically farmed estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape  with crazy old vines averaging 75 years old. Those ancient vines are rooted in eastern side of the appellation, in a mix of sand and the classic round stones of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The sandy parcels give heady aromatics and fresh fruit while the vines in the roulé give structure, power and length.

Proprietor and winemaker, Hélène Chouvet-Coton uses no wood in the winemaking, leaving as pure an example of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as you’ll ever find. The wine is purple to its core, with a terrific nose of spicy red berries touched with a hint of anise, thyme and cocoa. In the mouth, the wine is hedonistically fruity but with a mineral core that finishes fresh and a mile long.