This is a richer style Côtes-du-Rhône with more layers and density than is typical for the appellation. After all, it’s rather a baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The fruit is ripe and stays bright, never crossing into overripeness. Blackcurrants, blueberries and raspberries combine with garrigue, minerality and crushed flowers in this wine of character. It is medium-plus in body with balanced acidity and moderate tannins.

WINE INFORMATION

This estate, run by Isabel Ferrando, is in the southern portion of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and covers roughly 55 acres, from which she releases five cuvées: two whites and three reds.

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003.  She purchased Domaine Saint-Préfert from the Serre family, who was one of the first to estate-bottle in the appellation in the 1930’s; at that point, the domaine was 13.2 hectares (32 acres), all in the Les Serres lieux-dit, south of the village of Châteauneuf.  In 2004, she purchased more land and started making the 100% Grenache cuvée Colombis, primarily from the lieux-dit of Colombis, with sandy soil; she bottles this wine as Domaine Isabel Ferrando.

Ferrando has always farmed organically and starting in 2019, the vines are being managed following biodynamic methods. She has very old vines in her holdings: the Grenache vines average more than 70 years old.

Beatus Ille is mostly Grenache blended with about 15% Cinsault from two parcels, La Lionne, in the Sorgues district, just at the southern border of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and another parcel in Vedène. It's blended with a bit of Syrah from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It's 100% destemmed and fermented and aged in cement tanks. Beatus Ille is a quote from an ancient Latin poem by Horace in the second Epode, that literally means, "happy is the man". It refers to the pleasure of appreciating your beautiful surroundings in the countryside and working under your own volition...an appreciation for what you have in its simplest form.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is perfect for red meat such as steaks and stews or you can pair it with roasted duck or lamb. Roasted root vegetables or rich, vegetarian casseroles with herbs are good accompaniments too. The depth of flavors will enhance meals that match.

Charcuterie, Duck, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce