Lot presentation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Apôtres Raymond Usseglio & Fils 2017

The wine

A family-run estate in the southern Rhône Valley, Raymond Usseglio crafts a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape christened Les Apôtres, a skillful blend of diverse and varied grape varieties, such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, Vaccarèse, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Counoise, Muscardin, Picpoul, Terret Noir and Picardan. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an appellation that allows up to thirteen grape varieties to be blended together. These grapes grow on old vines, sometimes centuries-old, which have been selected and, using a culture that is both traditional and meticulous, draw their nutrients from parcels composed of pebbles, sand and stones. The best grapes are harvested and destemmed by hand, grape by grape. They are then stored and aged in amphoras in order to extract the wonderful tannins. The wine is then aged in the same type of container for a year and a half, and is bottled without prior filtration with only a homoeopathic dose of sulphur.
The wine has a deep ruby-red colour, unveiling a complex bouquet marked by notes of red and black fruits, preserved fruits, sweet spices, pepper, graphite and flowers. The palate is velvety and persistent with a liquorice finish.

About the Producer Raymond Usseglio

Domaine Usseglio is, first and foremost, the story of a family. In 1948 Francis Usseglio, an Italian labourer, came to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to work in the vineyards. His passion for wine and motivation led him to take on a few hectares of vines on a sharecropping basis known as métayage. His son Raymond took over from him, continuing the tradition but adding a modern touch by converting the vineyards to biodynamic. Today, the 24-hectare Domaine Usseglio is run by Francis' grandchildren, Jean-Pierre, Thierry and Stéphane and is one of the appellation's leading lights. Its grape varieties are typical for Châteauneuf with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault for red wine and Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache for white. The vines are between 30 and 60 years old and harvesting is carried out manually. The resulting wines have plenty of character, combining power with a hint of rustic simplicity.