Handford Wines

The Chateau Fortia Estate is one of the oldest in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and has always produced renowned wines as is mentioned in all the old ampelographic works... Chateau Fortia, the property of the Baron P. Le Roy de Boiseaumarie, to whom the title of "The most honourable vine grower in the world" in his time was awarded in France and abroad, occupies a very privileged position in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. Situated in the heart of the parish, next to the village, it comprises 30 hectares of continuous vines, planted on beautifully exposed hillsides. The old vine plants and traditional methods, such as the sorting of the grapes by hand, have been religiously kept up. These production rules have been emphasised by various awards - one, exceptional, which merits mentioning : in 1972, "Le Guide Mondial du Vin" awarded Chateau Fortia the "Soleil d'or" for export and classified it among the 14 French wine laureates at the international prize-giving, which concluded 10 consecutive years of impromptu wine tastings. In this way, after having been one of the estates who has contributed the most to establishing the reputation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chateau Fortia still occupies to this day a choice place among the cru capable of offering a genuine guarantee of authenticity and quality to the consumer. The estate wines come from the Roussane, Clairette and white Grenache vine plants. Pale yellow with a hint of green, they are dry, but not harsh, with a mineral flavour moderated by a discreet perfume of vine flowers. The privileged guests of these wines are shellfish, cooked preferably, and grilled fish. Some people drink them with foie gras or as an aperitif with a splash of black currant liquor. The red wines owe their particular and maintained colour to the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre vine plants : dominated by garnet and purple, often fringed with violet. Rich in complex perfumes, reminding us amongst others of plums and black currants, full of flavour, they are suitable for keeping several years or for drinking in their prime.

The Wine

The 2006 white Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a fine elegance, some minerality, fresh, under ripe pear, currant, and orange zest notes in a medium-bodied, distinctively pure, fresh style.

Single Bottle: £22.95

In a case of 12: £21.80