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"[****] This is a reliable producer of textbook Châteauneuf-du-Pape . . . . The red wines, made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a tiny percentage of Cinsault and other miscellaneous varietals, are full-bodied, alcoholic, big, classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape that drink surprisingly well young, no doubt because of the tendency to bottle the wine 18-20 months after the harvest. Pierre André, a diminutive, enthusiastic, youthful man approaching 70 years of age, is competently assisted by his daughter, Jacqueline. Like many properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this estate is morsellated, and the soils vary from lighter, sandy/clay soil, to more limestone in the higher parts of the appellation in hte direction of André's cellars in Courthézon. Everything is traditional, from a resistance to destemming, to bottling the wine with only a light egg white fining, and no filtration. Readers looking for typical, delicious, full-bodied, flavorful Châteauneuf-du-Pape should remember Pierre André as one of the appellation's more consistent and satisfying producers. I have tasted only a few vintages of André's white wines (200 cases produced). More Roussanne has been included in the blend since I last had the wine . . ." Wines of the Rhône Valley, (C) 1997 |