Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012

The 2012 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape is another outstanding effort from Grand Tinel, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most consistently high performing estates. Kirsch, plum, and hints of savory herb abound in the bouquet. In the mouth, deep black fruit flavors mixed with Provençal herbs, fennel, and smoked meat flavors entertain the palate, while fine grained tannins provide a long, satisfying finish that bodes well for the wine’s longevity. Although powerful and full-bodied on account of traditional winemaking and the predominance of old vine Grenache, the 2012 Grand Tinel exhibits a brightness and suavity that allow it to drink well young. Nevertheless, the 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape should continue to improve in bottle for at least several more years before reaching its apogee between 2017 and 2022. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest serving the 2012 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape between 58º and 64º F, after an hour or more of aeration.

Lamb and beef are the traditional accompaniments to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and both provide excellent counterparts to a bottle of 2012 Domaine du Grand Tinel. However, if ever there were just a single wine for all seasons and every occasion, Grand Tinel’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape would certainly be at the top of that list. The finest cuts of red meat certainly make great partners to Elie Jeune’s classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Some of our favorite pairings with the 2012 Grand Tinel include braised lamb shank, beef tenderloin, and rotisserie roasted chicken and game birds basted with plenty of butter, olive oil and Provençal herbs. For the beef tenderloin, we suggest cooking it medium-rare and serving it with thickly sliced portabella mushrooms in a red wine, shallot, and Herbes de Provençe reduction. Meatloaf topped with a mushroom brandy cream sauce with caramelized onions provides another excellent accompaniment. For satisfying meatless accompaniments, old-fashioned lentil or split pea soup, served with crusty French bread and a spoonful of shaved hard cheese, makes for a splendid mid week banquet in the company of the 2012 Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ravioli stuffed with cheese, wild mushrooms and savory herbs pairs beautifully with this wine, too, as does a salad of roasted red peppers, sautéed portabella mushrooms, roasted eggplant, tomato, caramelized onions, and a healthy crumbling of chévre or other full-flavored cheese. Serve this classic Mediterranean salad over a bed of complex greens or with freshly baked focaccia with a dollop of pesto mayonnaise or an olive and artichoke tapenade, and both the food and the wine will shine. Almost any dish with black olive, tapenade, bean, sausage, or tomato will complement this wine. Bon appétit!

Domaine du Grand Tinel is one of the largest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, though it remains a very hands-on boutique operation by virtue of its relatively small production and the fact that it remains a family run winery. The very capable and talented owner, Elie Jeune, is both proprietor and winemaker.

Nearly all of Grand Tinel’s 136 acres are devoted to the production of the estate’s very highly acclaimed red Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As is the case for most red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grand Tinel’s red wine is fashioned primarily from old vine Grenache (80%), with the balance of the cépage shared among Syrah, Mourvèdre, and small bunches of Cinsault and Counoise. By nearly all accounts, the wines of Domaine Grand Tinel remain some of the most traditional in style of all Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The house style underscores the full rich fruit of the appellation as well as the power inherent in old vine Grenache and the finest wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Nonetheless, Elie Jeune’s wines are quite approachable when young and will hold for a dozen years or more in vintages as superb as 2012.

In recent years, Elie Jeune has taken to fashioning two red Châteauneuf-du-Pape selections: an excellent estate bottled offering that is consistently one of the finest in the appellation (this month’s feature) and Cuvée Alexis Establet, the domaine’s tête de cuvée from 100 year old vines. In addition, Domaine du Grand Tinel turns out a tiny quantity of aromatic white Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc.