Famille Pierre Usseglio - Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Premiere Pierre 2023
Price: $49.96
| Producer | Famille Pierre Usseglio |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone |
| Varietal | Rhone Blend - White |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 603387 |
| Size | 750ml |
Why don't we drink more white wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape or the Rhône valley in general? It’s a question we ask every time we enjoy a bottle or taste one at the store. For one, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, like many other regions in the Rhône Valley, remains largely dedicated to red wine production; white wine represents only 7% of its total output. That equates to roughly 70,000 twelve-bottle cases in an average year. If that sounds like a lot, consider that there is a renowned Margaux 2nd Growth producing an average of over 20,000 cases of just its Grand Vin annually. It could therefore be simply an issue of visibility and scarcity that these aren't more prominent.
The good news is that these Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites remain well-priced despite their rarity and quality. Domaine Pierre Usseglio's Cuvée Première Pierre Blanc, a recent arrival, is one such fantastic option for anyone looking to explore something new. It offers a delightful, food-friendly change of pace that can broaden your wine horizons.
Usseglio's Châteauneuf-du-Pape Première Pierre Blanc is made from vines, aged between 35 and 75 years and is comprised of 50% Clairette Blanche, 20% Clairette Rose, 25% Grenache Blanc, and 5% Bourboulenc.
The Usseglios work with the four famous terroirs, including sand, clay, limestone, and galet roulés (the famous pudding stones, in English), which contribute to a complex and balanced wine profile. Grapes are hand-harvested, directly pressed, and then vinified. Aging occurs for 12 months, with 80% of the wine in barrels and 20% in amphorae. The 2021 Première Pierre Blanc offers aromas of white peach, citrus, and subtle toasted notes. Its freshness and finesse are enhanced by the low-temperature, long fermentation, making it enjoyable upon release and suitable for aging up to five years.
Domaine Usseglio, a family-run estate, was founded in 1948 when Francis Usseglio, the grandfather, left Italy to work as a vineyard laborer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1949. Later, his son Pierre expanded Domaine Pierre Usseglio, now spanning 39 hectares. The Domaine is now managed by Pierre’s sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio.
Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points
The 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is beautiful, with a fresh, lively style. Its notes of stone fruits, white flowers, citrus pitch, and crushed stone all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a pure, seamless style, integrated acidity, and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming 4-6 years or so and wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve longer.
