2021 Domaine de Consonnière Châteauneuf du Pape White

Did you know that around 6% of the annual production in this region is white Châteauneuf-du-Pape? White Châteauneuf-du-Pape tends to be full-bodied and phenolic. The white grapes used are not overly aromatic, but the warm climate allows plenty of fruit to show through. I find that many examples have an attractive note of sun-baked rocks. Levels of acidity vary, some wines can feel too fat while others have the perfect citrus lift.

Most white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines will be made of one or a combination of four grapes: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Clairette. The former two give the traditional Rhône flavors while the latter two add acidity to the blend. The five minor white grapes permitted are Clairette Rosé, Grenache Gris, Picardin, Picpoul Blanc, and Picpoul Gris.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a number of factors that do not allow for low prices. First is the cost of land, which now goes for 500,000 Euros per hectare and up. Expensive land equals expensive wine. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC also has some of the lowest yield restrictions in Europe. Fewer grapes from expensive land equals a small quantity of wine.

Don’t expect to spend less than £40 for a bottle. Overall, standard white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is usually a little more expensive than standard red Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you are willing to make the splurge, expect a mouthful of unique flavors and intense concentration.

Our classic producer that excels every year is Domaine de Consonnière. There Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc partially aged in barrel. It’s a typical CdP Blanc style. A full-bodied white wine, typical Southern Rhône in style. Notes of lime, white peach, baked stone, and parched earth. Rich and phenolic, the fruit really sticks to your palate. It’s low in acidity but packed full of flavor.