Lot presentation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lieu-Dit Pignan Pierre-Henri Morel 2016

The wine

Originating from the Aragon province in Spain, Grenache vines thrive in the sandy soils of the exceptional Pignan terroir, not far from the emblematic Château Rayas. The composition of these soils offers a very strong density to its wines, a feature that has become the signature of the estate. Harvests, done by hand, are followed by low-intervention vinifications in concrete vats to make wines that reflect a legendary terroir. The grapes go through a long maceration period at high temperatures for around 3 weeks. The special feature of this cuvée is ageing in half-size barrels for 15 to 18 months before being bottled.
The intense colour, enhanced by some violet glints, reveals an expressive nose marked by aromas of violets and white flowers, as well as subtle notes of spices. The rich and sophisticated palate reveals a wonderful balance between indulgent fruit aromas and a beautiful minerality, leading to a complex and elegant finish.

About the Producer Pierre-Henri Morel

Established in 2007 by Michel Chapoutier, owner of a wine-trading business in Tain-l’Hermitage, and Pierre-Henri Morel, the estate is renowned for producing great wines from the southern Rhône Valley. The estate comprises four hectares of vines in the communes of Pignan, Bois Dauphin, Cabrières and Palestor. Convinced of the beneficial effects on the soil and the wines, the estate adheres to sustainable viticulture methods that respect the environment. Yields are controlled in each plot to produce concentrated, intense, fragrant grapes of the highest quality, which are essential for producing exceptional cuvées. In the winery, the harvested fruit is vinified in a traditional, low-intervention fashion, to preserve the unique personality of the terroir. The estate, just a stone’s throw from the renowned Château de Beaucastel, produces authentic, intense wines with panache, reflecting the region’s grape varieties and terroir to perfection.