Domaine Du Banneret 2022 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley

I’m not sure how many people are aware of this but there are 13 permitted varieties allowed in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 5 of which are white. These days most producers use the typical Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre combination, along with things like Cinsault and Counoise as they have proven to be sturdy enough to go it alone but, Domaine Du Banneret is keeping things very traditional, they are using all 13 varieties. For red we have, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Muscardin, Vaccarese, Terret Noir, Cinsault, Picpoul Noir and Counoise, and for white there is, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourbelanc, Roussanne and Picardan. You know, those well-known wine grapes right? Everything is co-fermented and we love how the addition of aromatic white adds lift and extra floral notes. Medium weight in the mouth and wonderfully laced with dried herbs and savory cooked cherries. Not only delicious but a bit of a nerd wine as well.