In 1931 an Italian Francis Usseglio left Italy and went to Chateauneuf du Pape and got a job working in the vineyards. In 1948, after the war, he got his own property.
Francis had two sons, Pierre and Raymond. Pierre got his father’s property and Raymond established another estate.
The third generation is in now in charge of both estates. The sons of Pierre Usseglio, Jean-Pierre and Thierry run Domaine Pierre Usseglio and Stephanie runs Domaine Raymond Usseglio.
Domaine Pierre Usseglio consists of 22 hectacres divided into 15 different parcels in the appellation. Half of the vines are about 60 years old and the rest are about 30 years old. The Red Chateauneuf du Pape is usually made from 75 % Grenache and the rest Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. It is aged in oak casks for 12-18 months depending of the vintage.
Ruby red with a touch of copper in color. On the nose, there are some earthy and barnyard elements with sour cherry, rhubarb and stewed fruit characteristics. On the palate, roasted cherry, strawberry, some black licorice, plum and prune with stewed rhubarb, leather with a touch of pine, herbaceousness and a bit musty. Structured and tannic, but a bit thin. A good CDP, but I have to say that I was a bit disappointed and expect there are better CDPs at this price point.
