Chateau de la Font du Loup: A Northerly Nod Gives CdP a Compelling Twist
We have been eagerly awaiting a fresh crop of cuvees from a winery we have been proud to represent now for nearly a decade: Font du Loup. Anne Charlotte and her husband Laurent are the fourth generation to manage this estate that can be found in the southeastern part of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. The Melia family began here in 1942. It is name for the wolves who were said to migrate through this property to drink of their spring on the way to Provence. Their vines can found perched atop la Crau — one of the most revered lieu dits in CdP. Uniquely, they face north, making them one of the last to harvest (and the freshest around). We have always appreciated the more refined, elegant expression this domaine gleans from its sandy soils and northerly orientation.
They take great care to sustain their vineyards through organic viticulture and integrated pest management. They are HVE Level 3 certified (the highest level for High Environmental Value). They minimize tractor interference and only apply organic inputs that encourage greater biodiversity. They use sheep manure and grape pomace among other composting materials to enrich the soil’s health.
All this aside - we love Acha (Anne-Charlotte). And she loves Colorado! She has visited our market numerous times now and she truly remembers our market well each time — the names and faces. She cares to see her family’s wine in the right hands. Because these aren’t the big, sappy, overblown beauty numbers, they need to find those who appreciate more aromatic, lifted versions of CdP.
We have everything from the ’simple’ Cotes du Rhone (still from this incredible area) and their CdP Blanc (stunning, textured) to their classic CdPs including the old vine Puy Rolland — a pure Grenache grown on sand soils that always seems to remind people of the incomparable Rayas (at a fraction of the price). They also offer a very unique bottling that demonstrates the potential and grandeur of Mourvedre in the Legend.
Font du Loup Cotes du Rhone 2021 - 90% Grenache/10% Syrah, fermented and aged in concrete and stainless steel.
Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2020 - 60% Grenache (in foudres)/20% Mourvedre (in demi-muids)/15% Syrah (barrique)/5% Cinsault - aged 18 months then blended.
Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2021 - 35% Grenache Blanc/35% Roussane/15% Clairette/15% Bourboulenc grown on the highest point of La Crau. Fermented and aged in concrete and barrel for 9 months.
Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 'Puy Rolland’ 2019- 100% Grenache - near 120 years old. Vinified and aged in concrete tanks. (Coming soon: 2020)
Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 'Legend’ 2020 - 80% Mourvedre/20% Grenache fermented and aged in demi-muids for 2 years. Very limited - 2000 bottles made.