Châteauneuf-du-Pape is perfectly suited for low-yielding Grenache plantings, hence the reason Chapoutier works heavily with this varietal. Chapoutier’s La Bernardine is quite unique in that it is a blend of mainly Grenache with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre, when 13 are permitted by AOC law. With this unique approach and the low-yield of his vineyards, Chapoutier produces a rich, flavourful wine with moderate tannins.
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"The blending of grape varieties is a characteristic of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. In ”La Bernardine” red, Grenache is the main grape used in the blend, with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The Grenache is a grape variety that brings a natural sweetness to the blend, which gives the wine elegance, silky tannins and great finesse.
Intense crimson-red in colour with a complex but subtle nose of blackcurrant and plum followed by roasted coffee, cinnamon, and cherry. On the palate, it opens into spice, licorice and fruity notes.
As its name implies, the history of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape commune and its wine are strongly tied to papal history. In 1308, Pope Clément V, archbishop of Bordeaux, moved the papacy to Avignon. Some years later, under the reign of Pope Jean XXII, the wines came to be known as “Wines of the Pope”. This term later became Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Jean XXII was responsible for the construction of the Château which is the symbol of the appellation."
91-93/100 Vinous (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine was matured for 15 months in concrete vats. It is a fleshy wine revealing pronounced aromas of rose petals, garrigue, cardamom, strawberry, raspberry and licorice. Moving seamlessly across the palate, the 2021 Le Bernardine is a delicious, full-bodied red with polished tannins, ending with a savory finish. I actually prefer this one to its 2020 sibling due to the increased freshness."
90/100 Jeb Dunnuck (2016 Vintage)
"Blackberries, ripe cherries, Provençal garrigue, sandalwood, and savory flower notes all define the aromatics of the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine, a pretty, balanced, elegant Châteauneuf du Pape with fine tannin as well as beautiful balance."