When the papacy relocated to Avignon in the 14th Century, they did much to promote viticulture in the surrounding areas. John XXII erected the famous castle that overlooks the village and the wines of this area became known as "Vin du Pape.” This cuvée is named “La Tiare du Pape” – the pope crown’s – in honor of this noble history.

About This Wine:

Ruby colour with violet tints. Aromas of black berries, cherry and plum with under notes of wood. The attack is frank, mixing beauty and structure with notes of dry fruit (almond, nut). Rich and subtle tannins give fullness to this elegant and complex wine.

Vintage: Conditions for the 2008 vintage were capricious and chaotic. The warm damp weather in May and June made the vines grow amazingly fast and vigorously. This kind of weather requires the utmost vigilance and cultivation methods tailored to keep the grapes healthy. Summer was cool with several rainy spells which helped the grapes to reach full ripeness gradually. The wines of the 2008 vintage are fresh, elegant and well-balanced, with soft rounded tannins and beautifully expressive aromas due to fairly high acidity for the region.

Vineyard Soil: Several kilometers to the north of Avignon, on the rocky, sun-scorched hills and terraces swept by the Mistral, is the famous vineyard of Châteauneuf du Pape. The soil is made of clay and limestone mixed with quartz round stones. The Alpine diluvium (quartz stones) have a heat-regulating effect: they store up the heat of the day and return it during the night, creating a well-known furnace effect.

Grape Varieties: On this terrain, the 13 appellation grape varieties take on a specific maturity, giving the wines their mineral and stewed fruit flavors. From the different authorized grape varieties, 3 principle varieties are present: Grenache (60%); Syrah (30%); and Mourvèdre (approximately 7%); while several typical grape varieties comprise the remaining blend (such as Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin and Vaccarèse).

Winemaking: The process starts with selection of specific parcels based on maturity (Grenache vines are 30-70 years old), best exposures and low yields. Grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted out. Each grape variety is vinified separately after total de-stemming. Long vatting (3-4 weeks) is done with frequent pumping over. Temperature is controlled to afford the optimum extraction of color and aromas.

Maturing: The wine is aged in French oak barrels and wooden tun for 12 months before blending. The bottled wine is then cellared for several months, at controlled temperature and no light, before selling.

History:

“A barrel-maker born in Châteauneuf-du-Pape will eventually think of filling his barrels.” It came to no surprise when the Bouachon family, barrel-makers who had already been selecting grapes to produce wine for others, decided to fill their own barrels in 1898. Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône (formerly Maison Bouachon) the winery was born.

During the first half of the 20th century, Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône (formerly Maison Bouachon) was immersed in the viticultural tradition of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Over time, the Maison became familiar with the diversity of regional vines and terroirs while establishing strong ties with local winegrowers. Having gained a foothold in the region, Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône continued developing its winemaking skill with the acquisition of barrel chais during the 50s: this included mastering the vinification process as well as perfecting the delicate art of blending and the aging.

Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône developed its passion for terroir while seeking the utmost in quality. Close relations were established with growers from one generation to the next. Combining resources and know-how through solid partnerships made it possible to get the most out of vines and terroirs. Exceptional parcels were carefully selected. Grenache, the king of grape varieties in the southern Rhône valley, became central to blending. In the chais, beside the original barrels, new oak casks were used to age the best vintages.

In 2001, Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône entered a new era when it became part of Skalli Family Wines. Already considered to be a great name in southern French wine, the Maison now aimed to be the most prominent wine of the appellation Châteauneuf-du Pape. Vintages of extraordinary refinement and complexity were conceived within the Rhône appellation tradition, their well-rounded bouquet revealing a multitude of incredibly fruity, spicy aromas.

Combining full-bodied harmony with exquisite refinement, Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône wines remain true to their southern origins today. Served in both traditional and gourmet restaurants, they are also found in wine shops and specialty stores in France and around the world.

Skalli Grand Vin du Rhône wines have been expressing the rich variety of their terroir for over a century. They have now become the most prominent wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe, the choicest appellation of southern France.

The Vineyards:

Ah! The vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape, what a legend! The story begins in the 14th century when the pope’s court moved to Avignon. John XXII, the second pope from Avignon, who reigned from 1316 to 1334, had a castle built as a summer residence on the heights of the village of Calcernier, several kilometres from Avignon, and renamed Châteauneuf du Pape in 1893,. At that time, someone had the idea to plant a small vineyard where “excellent wines were harvested”. This delicate nectar was known as the Pope’s wine, its prestigious name before becoming the internationally acclaimed Châteauneuf du Pape. The Châteauneuf du Pape Controlled Appellation was created in 1933, defining the production area and conditions.