Domaine Santa Duc - Habemus Papam 2022
Domaine Santa Duc is one of the great names of the Southern Rhône Valley, with a family history dating back to 1874. Established in Gigondas for six generations, the Gras family has gradually built a domain recognized for the depth, elegance, and precision of its wines. Under the leadership of Yves and then Benjamin Gras, Santa Duc has affirmed an increasingly refined approach, driven by organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate now works several major terroirs of the Southern Rhône, notably in Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Habemus Papam 2022 embodies this ambitious interpretation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a wine that is both pontifical in its name, sunny in its origin, and precise in its construction. The cuvée draws its strength from several complementary sectors of the appellation, notably Le Pradel and La Font du Pape. It is a characterful Châteauneuf-du-Pape, deep, structured, and elegant, faithful to the current style of Santa Duc.
The Habemus Papam 2022 cuvée is based on a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. The Grenache brings flesh, generosity, ripe red fruits, and that Mediterranean breadth that makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape great. The Syrah, or rather the Serine in the spirit of the estate, completes the ensemble with its freshness, floral notes, fine pepper, and more structuring dimension. The vines, averaging 60 years old, are planted on sandy-clay soils on the surface, very limestone in the subsoil, with the presence of rolled pebbles. The harvest is done manually in crates, with sorting in the vineyard and then on tables, to preserve perfectly healthy raw material. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 20 to 30 days, with extraction guided by tasting. The 18-month aging in Stockinger foudres and terracotta jars refines the material without masking the purity of the fruit or the signature of the terroir.
In the glass, Domaine Santa Duc Habemus Papam 2022 reveals a deep, dark ruby robe with still youthful reflections. The nose opens on black cherry, blackberry, candied raspberry, and plum, with nuances of violet, pepper, licorice, garrigue, and warm stone. The palate is ample, dense, and very harmonious, supported by ripe, fine, and perfectly drawn tannins. The Grenache gives flesh and volume, while the Syrah brings a spicy tension that lengthens the finish. The whole retains a beautiful freshness despite the natural richness of the vintage, with a sensation of depth rather than heaviness. This Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be enjoyed after good aeration but will gain complexity after a few years in the cellar. It will ideally accompany a rack of lamb, a matured rib of beef, a Provençal stew, roasted pigeon, lamb tagine, game birds, or a matured cheese.
Grape varieties: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
