Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe - Piedlong 2022
The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is one of the great names of Châteauneuf du Pape, firmly rooted on the legendary La Crau plateau, where the rolled pebbles resting on red clays give birth to deep and vibrant wines. The Brunier family has been working here for several generations with a precise vision of the terroir, based on controlled yields, careful soil work, and a pursuit of balance rather than demonstrative power. Over time, the estate has developed a true mosaic of expressions, between the grand vin of La Crau, the most structured, and single-vineyard cuvées that explore other facets of the appellation. Piedlong fits into this approach as a distinct interpretation of Châteauneuf du Pape, centered on another plateau terroir, more airy in its expression. Driven by grenache, it highlights finesse, verticality, and aromatic momentum that the house knows so well how to enhance.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Piedlong 2022 is mainly made from grenache complemented by a touch of mourvèdre, hand-harvested on sands and rolled pebbles that promote homogeneous ripeness and great fruit purity. The 2022 vintage, marked by heat but tempered by the estate’s experience in managing heatwaves, here yields perfectly ripe, aromatic, and balanced grapes. Vinifications are carried out in concrete vats with gentle extractions to preserve the juicy character of the grenache and the fine tannic framework that defines the cuvée. Aging then takes place in vats and large casks, favoring slow oxygenation and tannin polishing rather than pronounced oak influence. Piedlong 2022 thus stands as a very pure and clear expression of Châteauneuf du Pape, less structured than the Vieux Télégraphe of La Crau but just as serious in its conception, with an added dimension of gourmandise that makes it more accessible sooner.
On the palate, Piedlong 2022 reveals a deep ruby robe with purple highlights. The nose opens with a beautiful intensity of red and black fruits—raspberry, crushed strawberry, black cherry—lifted by notes of garrigue, thyme, bay leaf, and a touch of sweet pepper. On the palate, the attack is ample and seductive, carried by a crunchy grenache that offers volume and softness of texture, immediately followed by very digestible freshness. The body is both juicy and refined, with fine, powdery tannins that structure the wine without hardening it. The finish is long, elegant, marked by the return of red fruits, dried herbs, and a slight salinity that signs the terroir. Served after a short aeration, Piedlong 2022 will ideally accompany a confit lamb shoulder, herb-crusted rack of lamb, Provençal beef stew, slow-cooked ratatouille, or a slightly aged soft cheese.
Grape varieties: approximately 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
