Domaine Santa Duc Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Ouest 2022

La Crau Ouest draws on half a hectare of ninety-year-old Grenache on the cool, north-facing shoulder of the La Crau plateau.

Soils here are very fine sand and sandy clay formed from Miocene safres, loose enough for roots to travel a long way down, and the northerly aspect widens the gap between day and night temperatures so tannins ripen slowly. The plot carries Ecocert organic and Demeter biodynamic certification; after hand harvesting and two sortings the grapes ferment in steel for three to four weeks, then rest eighteen months entirely in eight-hectolitre terracotta amphorae and go into bottle without fining or filtration.

Clay ageing leaves it taut and lifted — red cherry, blood orange, crushed stone and a saline edge — with real weight but no heaviness. Serve cool for the appellation, around 16°C, with roast quail, rabbit braised in white wine, or grilled vegetables and goat's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.