At a glance

Producer

Famille Isabel Ferrando

Region

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

Grape variety

Grenache (predominant), Mourvèdre, Syrah and others (field blend, majority Grenache)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$110 USD

Tasting profile

Dark red and black fruits (cherry, raspberry, plum), garrigue/herbal notes, cracked pepper, violets, polished tannins.

Evolution: Deeper wild berry/fig notes, gamey complexity, forest floor, dried herbs, softening texture as wine matures.

At peak: Harmonious blend of fruit, spice, and tertiary development with plush mouthfeel, integrated tannin, and lingering savory finish.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh and balanced, providing lift and age-worthiness

Tannins

Medium to firm, velvety yet youthful grip typical of 2022 vintage

Alcohol

Moderately high (generally 14.5-15% typical for Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Aging potential

Excellent; can evolve 15-20+ years in optimal cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2047

Optimal window

2027 to 2050

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant primary fruit with evolving secondary notes; potential for significant development

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape possesses both the fruit concentration and structural backbone to develop classic tertiary aromas and flavors over time. The 2022 vintage provides balance and freshness with enough stuffing for graceful evolution. Expect its most complex expression between years 8 and 18 from vintage.

Food pairing

Rare lamb, duck breast, cassoulet, grilled Provençal vegetables, hard aged cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to firm tannins and is youthful, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Manual harvesting; cover crops to fix nitrogen; use of indigenous yeasts; renewable energy for winery operations; light glass bottles and recycled paper; water recycling for vineyard and cellar; extensive biodiversity programs in and around vineyard plots.

Famille Isabel Ferrando is recognized as a leader in sustainable viticulture in the Southern Rhône. The estate is organically certified with rigorous attention to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity enhancement (hedgerows, insect habitats), and soil health through organic matter additions and cover cropping. Minimal intervention winemaking further reduces chemical and energy inputs. Packaging prioritizes eco-friendly materials. Carbon footprint is mitigated by local market emphasis, but trans-Atlantic shipping remains an environmental consideration. Overall, the estate’s efforts place it among the region’s most sustainable benchmarks.