Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition Red 2015

Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition Red 2015

A distinguished wine with a smoky bouquet, lovely red berried fruit and black liquorice flavours.

Producer Note

Château Fortia is a symbolic estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, both for its location and its roots that are closely linked to that of its appellation. In 1929 due to the efforts of Baron Pierre Leroy, Châteauneuf du Pape became the first appellation with a set of winemaking regulations. Today his descendants still continue the proud family tradition.

Vintage

2015 was an exceptional vintage having benefitted from optimal weather conditions throughout the vintage. A mild winter and a warm spring with normal rainfall, was followed by a hot and dry summer with several heat spikes which exceeded 37°C. The mid-September storm alleviated hydric stress in the vines and allowed the grapes to reach perfect maturity. The favourable weather conditions resulted in very healthy grapes at harvest. The wines are generous and rich with a wonderful structure and beautiful balance that are destined to age well.

Vineyard

Château Fortia recently completed improvements in the vineyard, including the replanting of vines in the correct plots of land to suit the grape variety. The distinct terroir here consists of rounded quartzite stones from the Villafranchian period. These stones absorb heat during the day then radiate it at night, ensuring full grape maturity is reached.

Winemaking

After a rigorous sorting, the grapes were destemmed and fermentation took place in a combination of temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and concrete tanks. Vinification lasted for approximately five weeks. After racking, the wine was aged in old French oak for 18 to 24 months, imparting subtle oak characteristics.

Tasting Note

A distinguished wine offering intense and seductive aromas of ripe red berried fruits enhanced by smoky notes and subtle spice. Full and rich on the palate with an opulent texture carrying flavours of wild strawberry, pepper and fresh liquorice through to a long finish. This is full of elegance and finesse.

Grape

Grenache 65%, Syrah 25%, Mourvèdre 10%

Awards

Silver Outstanding, IWSC, 2017

Silver, DWWA, 2017