Fruit
Earth
Body
Acid
Tannins
From Sokolin:
"Francis Usseglio moved to the Rhone Valley from Italy in 1931 and began what would become the creation of two separate Usseglio producing estates. The family domaine, which would eventually become Domaine Pierre Usseglio, was founded in 1948 when Francis was able to procure an 8-hectare parcel in Southern Rhone. It would eventually be taken over by his son Pierre Usseglio (thus the domaine name) while his other son, Raymond, created his own winery.
Domaine Pierre Usseglio is located on the left bank of the Rhone, where the terroir is quite diversified; consisting of sandy, clayey, or stony soils and covered by the famous rolled pebbles found throughout the Rhone Valley. These stones have a particularity of storing heat throughout the day and then diffusing it into the root system overnight. This vital aspect of the terroir results in greater maturity of the berries. Thirteen different grape varieties thrive in this diverse soil, which offers a great complexity of aromas and good structure in the final production of Pierre Usseglio wines.Today, the domaine covers 39 hectares, 24 of which are red Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, 1 hectare of white Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, 6 hectares of red Lirac, and 6 hectares of Cotes-Du-Rhone.
Pierre Usseglio also owns 2 hectares of Vin de Pays (wine from France) which are managed by his two sons, Jean-Pierre, and Thierry. The domaine Chateauneuf-Du-Pape AOC wines are the most well-known and the jewels of their portfolio. These vineyards of 24 hectares are planted to 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. One hectare is planted to 70% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc and 5% Bourboulenc and are used to produce their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc.The Domaine Pierre Usseglio line up is quite impressive and consists of their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Reserve des Deux Freres and their highly esteemed, highly sought-after Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Cuvee Mon Aieul.
Mon Aieul has received consistent, highly-rated professional reviews. It hails from vines located in the famed La Crau and Pignan Lieu-dits and is extremely limited with an annual production of a mere 650 cases. Deux Freres produces only 500 cases annually, while the Blanc sees a miniscule production of 250 cases each year.Domaine Pierre Usseglio has risen to the pinnacle of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape and is considered one of the greatest producers in the appellation.
The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres elicits “wows”. Aged 60% in neutral wood foudres and 40% in one, two, and three-year old Burgundy barrels, this 2001, which tips the scales at an awesome 16.2% natural alcohol, boasts an inky/purple color along with a sensationally pure bouquet of blackberries, graphite, acacia flowers, licorice, and sweet kirsch liqueur. Unctuously textured and full-bodied, with high tannin as well as a closed personality, this prodigious yet fabulous Chateauneuf du Pape is a potential legend in the making.
It requires 3-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. The texture, purity, and magnificent concentration suggest tiny yields, old vines, and non-interventionalistic winemaking. By the way, this wine represents a selection of the finest lots in the cellar as the sources are the same as for the Cuvee de Mon Aieul, although a large component of Deux Freres is from the Usseglio holdings in the sector of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Crau. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022+."
Country
France
Sub-Region
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Region
Southern Rhône
Varieties
55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
Farming
Sustainable