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
This Article was originally published on The Reverse Wine Snob
