For my Birthday in November I was hoping to make a carrot cake, with several delicious layers of cream cheese frosting, and indulge in some of my favorite wines, but then life happened and plans changed. So, over the holidays I finally made my carrot cake and we definitely indulged in some great wines, including this 2015 Domaine du Pegau, from Châteauneuf du Pape.
The lands and vineyards upon which Domaine du Pegau has built its reputation, have been a family affair since 1670. Léon Féraud was a part of this dynasty as a winegrower and mother of four children. Her youngest son, Paul, worked the family vineyards since he was 14 years old, and in 1964 he decided to produce his own wines, selling 2000 bottles per year.
Paul’s daughter, Laurence Féraud, returned to Châteauneuf du Pape in 1987 after having completed her wine studies. She proposed to her parents that they create an independent family estate of 5 hectares, registered under the name Pegau (a wine jug used in the 14th century) and the rest is history.
2015 Domaine du Pegau
This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 10% other varieties. The grapes were hand harvested and left as whole clusters. Fermentation was natural and spontaneous. Maceration took place in concrete tanks for 12 days and the wine was aged in old, oak casks for two years.
After five hours in the decanter there are aromas of tar, mint, cherry, buttered toast with strawberry preserves, black plum and dried figs with hints of black pepper and farmyard notes. This is a dry red wine that is medium+ in body with fine, medium+ tannins and medium+ acidity. The palate offers sweet cherries, strawberries, cranberries, prunes, black pepper, mint, tar, a hint of barnyard and dried figs with a medium+ finish.
This wine paired well with braised lamb shanks, mashed potatoes and steamed broccolini.