A budget friendly example of a red Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CdP) from Trader Joe’s. We review the Jean XXII Reserve Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
While the exact blend isn’t revealed, this is most likely predominantly a blend of Grenache and Syrah with perhaps some Mourvedre. It is from the Southern Rhone Valley of France.
This wine is available exclusively (perhaps, see below) at Trader Joe’s and sells for $19.99, which is a fairly low price for this region. It is produced by Vignobles & Compagnie who make several other of the French wine selections from Trader Joe’s.
The wine itself appears to come from Chateau Fargueirol who have a CdP bottling with the same name “Jean XXII”, which is available at other retailers. It’s not entirely clear if the Trader Joe’s version is the exact same wine. The Chateau Fargueirol label retails for around $30 and is made up of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged 9 months in stainless steel.
Finally, this Trader Joe’s version also evidently used to be branded as “Le Grand Bâtisseur Jean XXII Châteauneuf-du-Pape”. It is imported by Plume Ridge.
From the importer:
In 1314, Clement V, 1st Pope of Avignon discovered the terroir of Châteauneuf du Pape.
His successor, John XXII supported him and it was under his reign that the vineyard really took off and spread beyond the borders of the Comtat.
John XXII particularly appreciated the wine from this vineyard. He ordered the construction of a castle in the region and gave this wine the prestigious name “Vin du Pape”, before becoming “Châteauneuf du Pape”.
15% Alcohol
The 2021 Jean XXII Reserve Chateauneuf-du-Pape opens with an attractive aroma of ripe dark fruit, spice, some floral notes and black pepper. It also features touches of dried herbs, leather and tobacco.
The wine tastes smooth and balanced and has good flavor and depth. It’s also very recognizable as a Rhone wine so kudos there. It features similar flavors to the nose with juicy fruit in the mouth and it is at its best after a few hours of air.
It ends dry, long and lingering with juicy, spicy fruit. It also held up fine on day 2 where the Grenache really seems to rule the day (which is not a bad thing) and it developed more of a savory note.
This is a nice wine but the $19.99 price tag knocks it down to just a Recommended Buy rating. You’re definitely paying a premium for the region here.
2021 Jean XXII Reserve Chateauneuf-du-Pape
RECOMMENDED BUY
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.
You can also find more of our favorite GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre) blends here!
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