Domaine Du Père Caboche is a well-respected producer of Châteauneuf du Pape going back to 1777, when the lineage of the current owners, the Boisson family married into then current owners, the Chambellan family. From that point forward, the tradition of vine growing and wine making has been passed from one generation to another in an unbroken family tradition.

The name caboche comes from the French colloquial term for the nail used to secure a horseshoe to the bottom of a horse’s hoof. The original profession of the Boisson family was that of blacksmith, a tradition that ended with the father of the current head of the winery.

The family produces three wines : Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhone and Vin de Pays de Vaucluse. The CDP wines, of which there are several bottlings, are produced from grapes harvested from impressive vineyards, some of which encompass the very famous Le Crau vineyard. All of the wines are predominantly Grenache-based. The Côtes du Rhone wines are also predominantly Grenache-based. All of which contributes to the impressiveness of the Vin de Pays offering.

The Vin de Pays de Vaucluse is, as you would expect dominated by Grenache in the blend, consisting of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Caladoc and 5% Marselan. The wine is produced in a traditional manner with light crushing of the fruit and constant temperature control throughout the process, preserving the freshness of the fruit. Maceration extends to 10 days, which contributes to the depth of color. The wine is then finished in large oak cooperage for 3 to 6 months. Tasting notes on the winery web site tout the wine’s fruity character and the fact that the wine should be consumed “very young.”

I have to agree and at such an outrageously cheap price, the wine rivals the previously reviewed Vega Sindoa as house wine for the summer at Chez Musings…

My tasting note:

Juicy, fruity nose with fresh cherry, red currant and wild flower hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin – good balance. Youthful palate with cherry, blackberry, anise and fresh mint notes – infinitely quaffable. Moderate length – seductive and easy drinking. Not for aging – meant for fun!

At an average bottle price of $7.99 before the discount, this wine is a superb value.

Cheers!