The Domaine Pierre USSEGLIO is a family business, created in 1948 by Francis USSEGLIO from Italy and is one of the most well-regarded producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This first-class Domaine is now run by Pierre Usseglio’s sons Jean-Pierre and Thierry. They own 39 hectares of vineyards, including 24 of Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, with some of the best locations in the region.

The excellent terroir, old vines and generations of craftmanship have resulted in wines of the highest quality.

Grape

100% Grenache

Vineyard & Vinification Note

The parcels are spread over the entire area of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.

The various locations boast four different types of terroir which has great impact on the complexity in the wines. There are lime-rich, cool locations as well as dry, warm sandy soil.

24 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Cuvée de Mon Aieul is a selection of grapes from vines 75 to 90 years old. They come from plots on La Crau, les Bédines or les Serres, where the soils are sand and stone, covered in the regions famous galets.

Harvest is done by hand.

The bunches are destemmed, depending on the ripeness of the stalks, and then they are very slightly crushed before macerating in concrete vats for 30 to 40 days. Fermentation temperatures are between 25 ° – 28 °. During this period procedures such as pumping over, délestage or even batonnage take place. These procedures allow a gentle extraction of the aromatic components to ensure good concentration and intense colours.

Aged in concrete tanks for 18 months.

Tasting Note

The “Cuvée de mon Aïeul” is a pure and concentrated wine. The nose is very complex with notes of raspberries, liquorice and spices. It is a powerful wine that retains great elegance. Delicious!

Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note

Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It’s more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It’s a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks. 100 Points, August 2018

Wine Advocate Tasting Note

All Grenache, all whole cluster and from parcels in the lieux-dits of La Guigasse, Le Crau and Les Serres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has evolved beautifully since I tasted it last year, showing vibrant floral and tea-like notes, raspberry fruit and hints of licorice. It’s full-bodied, rich and velvety, with overtones of spice cake on the long, crisp finish. Tasting it, I was surprised to find out what the alcohol level was, because it showed no obvious heat—a testament to how much else is going on here. 97 Points, Joe Czerwinski, August 2018

James Suckling Tasting Note

Quite intense and moody. Dark-fruit aromas with wild herbs, tarry, slate-like, stony notes and dark chocolate, too. The palate is unashamedly ripe, packed with dark, rich fruit and a thread of dark chocolate. Weighs in warm at the finish. Drink or hold. 93 Points, August 2018

Food Pairing

Enjoy with game, a rack of lamb and strong cheeses.