Domaine Porte Rouge Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Domaine Porte Rouge Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting notes, wine ratings, a history of the property, the best vintages, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Domaine Porte Rouge History, Overview

Domaine Porte Rouge is one of the newer estates in the Southern Rhone Valley. In fact, it only dates back to 2001, when Bernard Friedmann created the estate.

However, the name of domaine has a history. The estate, located in the village of Chateauneuf du Pape took its name, which is translated into Red Gate, from the previous entrance that led to the village of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Prior to owning Domaine Porte Rouge, Bernard Friedmann knew about the wine trade, but on the retail end, not as a wine maker. Before founding the domaine, he worked for a negociant for years. The first bottling for Domaine Porte Rouge was produced from the very hot, 2003 vintage.

At the time of its creation, the estate consisted of o2.5 hectares of vines, making only one wine. Over the years the property has expanded, almost doubling in size. Additionally, they now produce 3 different expressions of Chateauneuf du Pape.

One of the first decisions the new owner, Bernard Friedmann did was to bring in the well-known consultant, Philippe Cambie. The vineyards of Domaine Porte Rouge are farmed completely organically. They were certified as Agriculture Biologique in 2014 by Ecocert. Today, Domaine Porte Rouge is managed by the children of Laurence Feraud of Pegau, Justine Feraud, and Maxim Feraud.

Domaine Porte Rouge Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

Domaine Porte Rouge owns a tiny, 4 hectare parcel of vines in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. The vineyard is spread out among 6 different parcels. The vines are old, with an average age of close to 60 years. However, they have some old vines that are approaching 90 years of age, which is quite respectable. The vineyard is planted to 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. The vineyard is farmed using only 100% organic farming methods.

Domaine Porte Rouge produces 3 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines.

Domaine Porte Rouge Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is often close to 100% Grenache. Small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre can also become part of the blend, depending on the vintage. Young vine Grenache and other varietals are destemmed. Old vine Grenache is always whole cluster fermented.

The wine is aged in a combination of used oak barrels and stainless steel tanks for between 18 months and 24 months prior to bottling. The production is close to 750 cases of wine per vintage.

Domaine Porte Rouge Aura The wine blends 90% Grenache with the remaining 10% coming from various, allowable, grape varieties including Syrah, Cinsault, Terret noir, Vaccarese, and Mourvedre. The vines are planted in a terroir of sandy soils located in the Colombis lieu dit. The berries are 100% destemmed. The wine is aged for up to 24 months in used, French oak casks before bottling.

Domaine Porte Rouge Cuvée La Discrète Produced from 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache, the vines are planted in a terroir of limestone, and sandstone soils. The berries are 100% destemmed. The wine is aged for up to 24 months in used, French oak casks before bottling.

When to Drink Domaine Porte Rouge, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Domaine Porte Rouge can be enjoyed on the young side. Young vintages can be popped. and poured, or decanted for about 1 hour. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Domaine Porte Rouge is usually better with 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages the wine should be consumed within 3-10 years after the vintage.

Serving Domaine Porte Rouge with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Domaine Porte Rouge is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness, and lift.

Domaine Porte Rouge is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed, and grilled dishes, smoked meats, barbecue, grilled meats, barbecue, sausage, cassoulet, eggplant and tomatoes. Domaine Porte Rouge is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, cheese, pasta, and cheese.

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