Do you like red wine? Me too! Do you like French red wine? Mmmm, same. Then you want to know about Châteauneuf du Pape! It’s not that hard to pronounce and it’s super easy to love. And guess what – many of them are super affordalicious, clocking in at $15 or $20 retail.

I had lunch recently with Fabrice Brunel who runs Domaine André Brunel, one of the most revered estates in all the Châteauneuf du Pape region. Domaine André Brunel has been making wine for eight generations – since, like, the 1700s. So they know what they’re doing!

What is Châteauneuf du Pape?

First of all, it’s a wine region situated within the larger Rhône Valley in southeast France. It’s below Burgogne and above Provence. It is an AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée). Specifically, Châteauneuf du Pape, which I’m going to refer to as CdP (because it’s a lot of typing!) is in the southern Rhône Valley.

Second, it’s the name of the wines that come from the region. France likes to do it that. (Name the wines after the place.) Famously, there are 13 grapes authorized for use in CdP wines – 17 if you count the red, gris and white versions of two of those grapes.

The region’s terroir brings unique notes to the wine. The white wines are crisp and mineral-driven. The red wines share an earthy note layered with red fruits and subtle savory elements that keep you going back for another sip. Domaine André Brunel is turning out beautiful examples of the place and style. (Most of these are available in the U.S. Check your local retailer for specifics.

The Wines of Domaine André Brunel

We tasted seven wines from Domaine André Brunel and one of the most amazing points: no oak. No oak! On any of them! Yet they flowed over the palate with beautiful texture and flavor (much of which can come from oak aging). Instead of oak, Fabrice and his winemaking team use concrete tanks for aging, which let in microscopic amounts of air, preserving the purest expression of the fruit.

We started with two white wines (only 5% of wines in all of CdP are white):

André Brunel Cuvée Becassone Côtes du Rhône 2024 This is a blend of 40% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 30% Clairette. It’s a delightful, lighter-bodied white wine showing fresh orchard fruits. It’s a perfect aperitif, paired with cheeses, olives, nuts. Find it for about $19 at Binny’s and Google for additional availability.

André Brunel Les Cailloux Blanc 2024 With 80% Roussane (my favorite French white wine grape, but please don’t tell Chardonnay), this beauty slides over the palate like pear-scented silk. It’s also got 15% Clairette and 5% Grenache Blanc for freshness and acidity. Great with the Endive and Shaved Apple Salad at Avec in Chicago. It’s about $74 and you’ll find it mainly at restaurants. But any good wine shop should be able to source it for you at retail.

André Brunel Vin de Pays Grenache 2024 This is 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. It’s juicy and light-bodied. It’s exactly what I want with pizza, roast chicken, a burger – it’s super versatile. And you guys – it’s $13!!! Super affordalicious!

André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Est-Ouest 2024 This wine struck as leaner and more intense with a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Consult and 10% Syrah. That Syrah lends structure that makes wine great with richer dishes (like this Chorizo-Stuffed Medjool Dates at Avec. Find it for about $16 and pair it with a seared duck breast.

André Brunel Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Reservée 2022 This may have been my very favorite of the day. It’s 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. It’s all Cherry Twizzlers, leather, strawberry fruit leather, a little sweet dried tobacco. I loved it with Grilled Butcher Steak and Taleggio Cheese at Avec. It’s about $54.

André Brunel Les Cailloux Rouge 2022 All the red fruits are here! Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, layered with a little pepper and sweet dried tobacco. It’s a little grippier, and it’s powerful, but it doesn’t hit you over the head. About $74.

André Brunel Les Cailloux Cuvée Centenaire 2022 This is the mac-daddy. The $300 big boy. They only make this wine in the best years, when the fruit is perfect. It’s almost all Grenache (90%) and it is sleek, sexy, elegant and super complex. And? It got 100 points from Wine Advocate. It’s a gorgeous wine.

Taste the Tradition and Terroir Yourself

I love that you can go high and low with these wines. Whether you choose a $15 wine or a pricey meatball of a wine, the traditions and terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be tasted in every bottle. Why not treat yourself to the bold, earthy flavors of Châteauneuf du Pape, on your next wine run?

For more information on Domaine André Brunel, click here. And if you’re in the Châteauneuf du Pape neighborhood, they do have a cellar door (tasting room) that welcomes visitors.

I’d like to thank Quintessential Wines (importer) for the invitation to lunch at Avec in Chicago with Fabrice Brunel.