Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape

"Enticing nose of red fruit and spices that is fresher than many 2022 Chateauneufs. Rich and fleshy, but also very elegant thanks to the fine tannins and lively acidity. I love the savoury and dry earth complexity at the finish." Stuart Pigott

• Winery: Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils
  
• Varietal: Grenache (predominantly), Syrah, Mourvedre
  
• Region: Chateauneuf, Rhone Valley, France
  
• Vintage: 2022
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
• Food match: Roast pork & lamb, game meat; stews and Goulash; grilled vegetables; Indian, Korean and Mexican cuisine; softer & creamy cheeses
  

A fantastic new Chateauneuf du Pape from one of the great names in the region. Usseglio make a very complete style in which deep quality is combined with an eye for innovation. Sourced from vineyards that have been biodynamically managed for more than ten years, the Usseglio Chateauneuf is a terribly satisfying red.

History

Domaine Raymond Usseglio is a different estate than Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is owned by his brother. Francis Usseglio moved to the Rhone from Italy in 1931. It took until 1948 before Francis Usseglio created his own winery. Francis Usseglio had two sons, Pierre Usseglio and Raymond Usseglio.

Pierre Usseglio took over the family estate and Raymond Usseglio created his own winery using his name in 1964. As soon as Domaine Raymond Usseglio was created, the estate was bottling and selling their own wine, which was not a common practice in those days.

Today, the current generation of the Usseglio family, headed by Stephane Usseglio, continues to manage the Domaine in the Southern Rhone Valley. 

Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

Domaine Raymond Usseglio owns 18 hectares of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape. Three hectares of vines are used for grapes planted to produce Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc. The remaining 15 hectares are devoted to growing red, Chateauneuf du Pape varietals.

Their vines are well placed, primarily in two locations, with 50% of their vines planted in the famous La Crau vineyard, with the remaining vines situated close to the ancient castle of the Pope. Most of their vines are on average close to 60 years of age. But they do have old vines, some of which are more than 100 years of age.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio also owns 5 hectares in the Cotes du Rhone appellation and another 3 hectares of vines that are classified as IGP. All the vineyards in Chateauneuf are farmed using sustainable, biodynamic farming techniques.

• 94/100 Points - Stuart Pigott, James Suckling (2022 vintage)
• 92-94/100 Points - Joe Czerwinski , Parker's Wine Advocate (2022 vintage)
• 93/100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2022 vintage)
• 94/100 Points - James Suckling (2020 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Decanter, Matt Walls (2020 vintage)
  
• 92-94/100 Points - Joe Czerwinski , Parker's Wine Advocate (2020 vintage)