Two Of Châteauneuf-du-Papes Finest 100-Pointers

When it comes to French wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a name that resonates with connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts alike. This historic region in the southern Rhône Valley is celebrated for its rich winemaking traditions, and among the many exceptional winemakers, Pierre Usseglio has carved a niche for itself - the 2007 Pierre Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Mon Aïeul" and "Deux Frères." These wines embody the essence of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and showcase the brilliance of this renowned winery.

History In a Nutshell

Domaine Usseglio was established in 1948 by Francis Usseglio, who left Italy to work as a vineyard laborer in the beautiful Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Domaine’s legacy was passed down to his son, Pierre, who expanded the estate to its current 39 hectares. Today, this family-run Domaine, now overseen by Pierre's sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry, continues to produce exceptional wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Rich In Terroir

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for its terroir diversity, offering an array of soil types that contribute to the complexity of its wines. The region covers 3,200 hectares on the left bank of the Rhône, featuring sandy, clayey, and stony soils, with the famous rounded pebbles, or "galets roulés." These pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night, promoting grape ripening and adding depth to the wines. The permitted yield in this appellation is relatively low, ranging from 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare. With 13 approved grape varieties, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines exhibit a remarkable range of aromas and structure. View the Chateauneuf-du-Pape collection to view all wines from this region.

2007 Pierre Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Mon Aïeul"

"Mon Aïeul," or "My Grandfather," is a wine that pays homage to the winemaking heritage of the Usseglio family. The 2007 vintage of this exceptional cuvée showcases a level of richness and intensity that sets it apart.

RP100 “There are 1,800 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Mon Aieul (100% tank-aged Grenache). It represents an awesome naked/virginal expression of Grenache from three vineyard parcels planted in sand, clay, and limestone soils. After tasting this wine on five separate occasions, I can state with certainty, it has the most saturated color of any Mon Aieul produced to date. Moreover, its perfume of blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice, roasted meat juices, and lavender is incredible. Full-bodied power, a multilayered mouthfeel, tremendous purity, and awesome concentration put this wine in a class by itself. This sensational Chateauneuf du Pape is still very young, and 3-4 years of cellaring is required. It should be a modern day legend and last for nearly two decades.” Robert Parker Oct 2009

JD99 “One of the silkiest and most seamless wines of the vintage (and that I’ve ever had), the 2007 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul is 100% Grenache (90% from Les Serres Vineyard with the rest from La Crau and Esquirons) and exhibits drop dead gorgeous aromas of toasted spice, kirsch, raspberries, incense, roasted meat, licorice and who knows what else. Just complex, perfumed and intense with stunning purity and precision, the palate is utterly profound with a perfect, seamless, silky texture, amazing balance and a blockbuster finish. Despite the size to the wine, it maintains an elegant, fresh character. Drink these over the next 20 years.” Jeb Dunnuck Aug 2009

"Mon Aïeul" is composed of 100% tank-aged Grenache, sourced from three vineyard parcels with varying soils of sand, clay, and limestone. It is a testament to the power, purity, and concentration that the Usseglio estate is known for. It will reward both those who choose to open a bottle now or cellar it for 3-4 years and let the wine age gracefully for nearly two decades.

2007 Pierre Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Deux Frères"

"Deux Frères," or "Two Brothers," is a wine named in honor of the brothers of the estate, Pierre and Raymond Usseglio. The 2007 vintage of this cuvée is nothing short of breathtaking.

JD100 “Absolutely brilliant and jaw dropping good, the 2007 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Deux Frères, showing every bit as well as on release, is everything you could want in a wine and then some. Showing spectacular aromatics of Cassis, graphite, spice, chocolate, and garrigue, it is downright ethereal on the palate and possesses a full-bodied, yet weightless, elegant texture, perfect balance, thrilling richness, and a blockbuster finish that just keeps on giving. Simply a thrilling drink that I wish every Châteauneuf-du-Pape lover could experience, this awesome 2007 is superb now, yet will easily age for 2+ decades. Hat’s off to the Usseglio brothers for this utterly captivating bottle of wine!” Mar. 2012

RP100 “One of the wines of this incredible vintage is unquestionably the 300-case 2007 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres from the Usseglio brothers. A big bruiser of a wine that has a huge core of cassis and black currant fruit, it gets more and more elegant with time in the glass and offers complex notes of roasted meats, garrigue, beef blood, licorice and truffle. Made from 100% Grenache aged mostly in new barrels, it’s absorbed every trace of its elevage and is just a sensational Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the coming 10-15 years.” Mar. 2017

"Deux Frères" is crafted from 90% Grenache sourced primarily from Les Serres Vineyard, complemented by the rest from La Crau and Esquirons. This wine is a testament to the skill and vision of the Usseglio brothers, offering Châteauneuf-du-Pape lovers an utterly captivating bottle that is superb now and will age gracefully for over two decades.

Two Wines – One Passion

Both wines, "Mon Aïeul" and "Deux Frères," exemplify the dedication to tradition and craftsmanship that the Pierre Usseglio estate embodies. These wines are not just a reflection of the 2007 vintage; they are a testament to the timeless traditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape winemaking and the Usseglio family's unwavering commitment to excellence. When you uncork a bottle of these exceptional wines, you're not just experiencing a taste of Châteauneuf-du-Pape; you're savoring a piece of history and the embodiment of passion, family and vinous excellence.