Now is the 'perfect time' to buy Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008
Wine aficionados seeking a good Chateauneuf-du-Pape have been given an insight into the produce of this region, which is some 34 times smaller than Bordeaux.
Writing in the Northwest Herald, wine writer Andy Andresky said that an excellent vintage year for Chateauneuf-du-Pape is one that had low harvest yields, as too many grape bunches per vine makes them thin.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is mostly made from Grenache, followed by syrah and mourvedre, although cinsaut, muscardin, counoise, veccarese and terret noir are also used.
"The current release 2008 vintage of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is terrific. Most bottles can age ten years and more," commented Mr Andresky in the article.
"Now is the perfect time to buy these wines because most are coming into store."
In 1995, heavyweight wine critic Robert Parker was made an honorary citizen of the commune by the Chateauneuf Winemakers Union, in thanks for his work in promoting the region's wines.