La Fiarre du Pape - 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (France)

Today's review is of a fine French gem, the famous 2011 La Fiarre du Pape Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a commune in southeastern France, near the town of Avignon in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region. It gets its name from both an early Latin name for the region, and also from Pope John XXII, who resided in the area in the early 1300s, and gave the area (already called Chateauneuf, essentially "new castle", as pictured below) the moniker "du-Pape," or "of the Pope."

This region, like many in France, have long made wine. Procurement receipts show vine purchases and grape transfers dating back to the Middle Ages. So, then, "Chateauneuf-du-Pape" is the name not just of the region, but also an AOC for the region, and ALSO the proper name itself for the wine. Not to confuse you or anything.

Avignon, le palais, avec le pont

This wine was rather pricey - around $26 per bottle. But owing to the quality wines made in Provence-Alpes-Cote D'Azur, this label isn't by any means the most expensive example - those can run from $60 to hundreds and hundreds of dollars - so we'll have to settle with a more affordable example of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Behold the La Fiarre du Pape:

It pours a pleasant ruby color, lighter than I expected. Not too much aroma in the glass, but let it sit for roughly 20 minutes and volatized now and again to try to let those flavors open up.

What I like about this is the texture. Strong and clean with some moderate alcohol flavor and very noticeable dark berry flavors. Unlike some other vintages with strong berry notes, this one isn't jammy, just weighted more on the fig / cherryesque notes and some dark fruit skin tastes. I like the balance of this wine - very smooth, easy to drink with no particular overwhelming tastes. These kinds of well-balanced, delicious wines are just what I am looking for in a dinner red.

It's got a very drawn-out, lightly sour finish, which is not at all objectionable. Smooth and velvety on the palette afterward with a tinge of alcohol esters. It paired well with dinner - a seasoned and broiled steak matched with cinnamon tarragon rice and some mixed leafy greens. I'd definitely get it again - I find it's a well-balanced dinner wine that complements subtle flavors nicely.