Barrels & Bottles Wine Blog

The UK market will not sustain many more increases in the price of generic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, suppliers and retailers have warned.

The top southern Rhône appellation has enjoyed several strong vintages, with 2006 described as "the eighth very good year out of nine vintages" by the Châteauneuf-du-Pape growers' association.

Wine trade figures contacted by OLN have praised the 2006 Rhône vintage as "refined" and "elegant", but have expressed concern about the continuing price rises.

Andrew Coghlan, managing director of independent merchant Barrels & Bottles in Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, said sales of Châteauneuf from top producers would remain strong despite price rises, but generic Châteauneuf had started to hit a price ceiling with customers. "I think the limit is around £16-£17. People are looking at alternatives from the Rhône, such as Gigondas and Vacqueyras, as well as wines from elsewhere," he said.

Labels: france, rhone