Bonpas

Bonus Passus Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Bonpas

Bonus Passus Châteauneuf-du-Pape

"Bonus Passus," meaning "Good Crossing," pays homage to the historic and storied passage over the Durance River. This revered crossing, steeped in centuries of tradition, lies beneath the watchful gaze of the Chartreuse de Bonpas. Perched high above, this ancient monastery stands as a sentinel of time, preserving the echoes of travelers and pilgrims who once traversed these waters. With every sip, Bonus Passus invites you to journey through history, savoring the essence of a place where the beauty of nature and the spirit of human endeavor meet.

Wine Production

Crafted from a meticulous selection of soils and grape varieties, this cuvée is a testament to elegance and balance. The winemaking process is an artful infusion, with the caps of grape pomace gently submerged in the warm, fragrant must. This technique yields a velvety roundness, softening the tannins and preserving the luscious essence of ripe, stewed red fruits. A three-week maceration period allows the wine to fully embrace its depth and complexity. Fifteen percent of the blend is gracefully aged for eight months in 228-liter French oak barrels, imparting delicate nuances to its profile. The result is a wine of unparalleled silkiness, with mouth-filling flavors of sun-ripened plum and succulent prune, harmonized by a whisper of refreshing brightness on the finish.

Tasting Notes

A complex aromatic palette with notes of Morello cherry in brandy, complemented by hints of light tobacco and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine has a very silky texture with flavors of ripe plum and prune balanced by a slight freshness on the finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with meats in sauce, such as stews or coq au vin, and game. Duck confit, beef wellington or tasty vegetarian cuisine.

"Bonus Passus," meaning "Good Crossing," pays homage to the historic and storied passage over the Durance River. This revered crossing, steeped in centuries of tradition, lies beneath the watchful gaze of the Chartreuse de Bonpas. Perched high above, this ancient monastery stands as a sentinel of time, preserving the echoes of travelers and pilgrims who once traversed these waters. With every sip, Bonus Passus invites you to journey through history, savoring the essence of a place where the beauty of nature and the spirit of human endeavor meet.

Wine Production

Crafted from a meticulous selection of soils and grape varieties, this cuvée is a testament to elegance and balance. The winemaking process is an artful infusion, with the caps of grape pomace gently submerged in the warm, fragrant must. This technique yields a velvety roundness, softening the tannins and preserving the luscious essence of ripe, stewed red fruits. A three-week maceration period allows the wine to fully embrace its depth and complexity. Fifteen percent of the blend is gracefully aged for eight months in 228-liter French oak barrels, imparting delicate nuances to its profile. The result is a wine of unparalleled silkiness, with mouth-filling flavors of sun-ripened plum and succulent prune, harmonized by a whisper of refreshing brightness on the finish.

Tasting Notes

A complex aromatic palette with notes of Morello cherry in brandy, complemented by hints of light tobacco and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine has a very silky texture with flavors of ripe plum and prune balanced by a slight freshness on the finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with meats in sauce, such as stews or coq au vin, and game. Duck confit, beef wellington or tasty vegetarian cuisine.

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
Vineyard size:
20 ha acres
Soil composition:
rounded pebbles and red sand
Elevation:
360 feet
Exposure:
Southeastern and South
Harvest time:
September to October
Bottles produced of this wine:
20,000
Average Vine Age:
65 years

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:
25 days
Varietal composition:
80% Grenache 80%, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Fermentation container:
stainless steel tank
Maceration technique:
pump over, punch down and aeration
Malolactic fermentation:
full
Fining agent:
suitable for vegan
Type of aging container:
stainless tank and 15% French oak barrels
Size of aging container:
600l and 228l
Length of aging before bottling:
9 months
Total SO2:
75

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.7
Acidity:
3.06 g/L
Alcohol:
15.2 %
Total SO2:
75
Residual sugar:
1.2 g/L

About the Vineyard

The selected vines for ‘Bonus Passus’ surround the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and are planted in sandstone and sand-based soils on south/south-east facing slopes.  An exceptional terroir for a remarkable expression of Grenache noir, with great finesse and generosity.