Xavier Vignon : Arcane II La Papesse 2016

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Arcane II La Papesse 2016 cuvée by Xavier Vignon

Tasting

Complexity and refinement define this Red wine from the Rhône Valley with fine tannins and a silky touch.

Service
For optimal tasting, it is recommended to taste this wine at 15°C - 17°C.

Cellaring

This cuvée can wait in cellars until around 2035.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with a saffron and mushroom risotto, satay tofu skewers, truffle and honey brie, a vegan terrine with chanterelles, hazelnuts, chestnuts and gingerbread.

An aromatic and intense Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine

The estate

The oenologist Xavier Vignon has built an international reputation by providing expert advice to more than 200 estates and participating in the development of the most prestigious wines of the Rhône Valley, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 2002, he began to produce his own "Xavier" branded cuvées, blending the best "juices" from carefully selected plots. Without any constraints of terroir or grape variety, Xavier Vignon creates his ideal wine: simple, modern, and above all, impressively good value for money. The 100% Xavier was born.

The wine

Arcane II La Papesse 2016 is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine by Xavier Vignon, made from old vines planted on cool terroirs in the north of the appellation. Composed of rolled pebbles and clays, the soils promote water drainage and natural heat management during the summer.

Vinification and aging

A rigorous selection of berries is carried out before vinification in truncated vats (1/3), concrete vats (1/3) and stainless steel vats (1/3). Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation before aging in amphorae, barrels, concrete vats, demi-muid and stainless steel vats. A part of the wines (20%) is aged using the Vinarium technique (small 200-litre barrels immersed in wine, as for the Arcane Le Pape cuvée. The aging extends over a period of 3 years.

Grape variety

Grenache (100%)