Château de la Gardine has been owned by the Brunel family since the 17th century and remains one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's most respected estates. The property sits on the famous galets roulés (round stones) that absorb heat during the day and radiate it back at night, ripening the grapes fully. Traditional blend dominated by Grenache with supporting Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2021 vintage in Châteauneuf was challenging but quality-focused estates like this delivered balanced, structured wines.
Dark cherry, blackberry and plum with garrigue herbs, liquorice and peppery spice. Full bodied with density and concentration typical of the appellation. Structured tannins with grip, showing this needs time to fully open. There's power here but also elegance and restraint. Layers of complexity with earth, leather and dark chocolate notes. Long, persistent finish.
Decant for at least an hour, preferably longer. Pairs beautifully with braised lamb, game, beef daube, or aged hard cheeses. Serve around 16-18°C. Still quite youthful, will develop beautifully over 15-20 years.
Wine characteristics
France
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin
2021
Chateau de la Gardine
14.0%
Standard - 75cl
Cork
Tips
How to serve?
Decant before serving
Goes well with
BBQ
Goes well with
Beef
Goes well with
Cheese
Goes well with
Game
Goes well with
Sausage
Goes well with
Steak
Goes well with
Vegetable
Discover
The winemaking tradition of the Brunel family goes back to the 17th century. Gaston Brunel, a famous négociant, acquired the Château de la Gardine in Châteauneuf du Pape in 1945. The estate is now run by his two sons Patrick and Maxime, their wives Eve and Maryse, three of his grandchildren Marie-Odile, Philippe and Laure and two of his great-grandchildren Guillaume and Thibault.
The estate spreads over 52 ha of vineyards (48 ha of red and 4 ha of white) and 20 ha of forests, all gathered around the property. The domaine is famous for the quality of their wines and for the iconic Gardine bottle.
Château de la Gardine have always been very respectful of the planet. They have long used organic fertilizer, encouraged biodiversity (20 ha of forest, apicultural set-aside areas, insect houses) and use controlled weeding.
