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Wine Description
The Story
The modern winery was constructed in 1979. The Bruniers were the first to install a system based on gravity for the transfer of the harvest and racking procedures. Large bins run along rails between two lines of stainless steel fermentation vats permitting the partially crushed grapes to fall directly into the vats. The temperature control is completely automatic and very accurate.
Vinification is otherwise classic with no destemming and a long maceration period of 15 to 20 days. After the malolactic fermentation in cement vats, a careful selection is made before the wine is transferred to large oak "foudres" for further ageing. No filtration before bottling at the estate about 18 months after the harvest.
The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is handled with great care. The grapes are carefully sorted before a light pressing and a controlled fermentation at 20°C, lasting about 3 weeks. After racking and a light filtration, the wine is bottled in December following the harvest, conserving the youthful fruity aromas that become more complex with time.
Wine Information
These wines are simply delicious. The red is a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a well delineated, fruity style. All the expected peppery spicy aromas are present but what is special is the explosive richness and gorgeous texture that displays fine definition and great elegance. Robert Parker in his book on the Rhone concludes his notes on Vieux Telegraphe by saying : "This is an estate that produces exuberant, richly fruity wines that give immense pleasure. Their wines are worthy additions to anyone's cellar."
The white is special too. It is considered one of the best of the appellation with an intense bouquet and wonderful flavours evoking tropical fruit and wild flowers.