Our Rating
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
GSM
Great wine doesn’t have to break the bank. A “Buy It Now” bottle offers exceptional value—under $30, easy to find, and well worth picking up. Whether you’re stocking up for a casual dinner or looking for a reliable go-to “daily drinker”, these wines deliver quality without the premium price tag.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape isn’t exactly known for bargain-bin pricing. The wines from this historic Rhône appellation typically command a premium, making it all the more surprising to see one on the shelves at Trader Joe’s for just $19.99. The label reads “Jean XXII,” a nod to the 14th-century pope who played a role in establishing the region’s winemaking reputation. But unlike its more expensive counterparts, this bottle comes with a bit of mystery. While it seems to be linked to Château Fargueirol, a respected family-run estate, it’s not entirely clear if this is the same wine they sell under the same name elsewhere for closer to $30. Regardless, it’s an intriguing find—especially for those looking to dip their toes into the world of Châteauneuf-du-Pape without emptying their wallets.
Château Fargueirol has deep roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a family history stretching back to the 14th century. The estate, currently run by the Revoltier family, spans 42 acres of prized vineyards covered in the region’s signature galets roulés—large, heat-retaining pebbles that help ripen the grapes. The family has endured everything from the French Revolution to the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century, yet their winemaking traditions persist.
However, here’s where things get a little murky. While sources like Wine.com and Reverse Wine Snob suggest that Château Fargueirol is behind this Trader Joe’s bottling, Vivino attributes it to Vignobles & Compagnie, a larger négociant that produces multiple French wines for Trader Joe’s. Whether the two versions are identical or slightly different remains unclear, but the Fargueirol-labeled Jean XXII Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a Grenache-heavy blend aged for nine months in stainless steel. If this Trader Joe’s version follows the same formula, it should showcase the same bold fruit, spice, and structure—just at a friendlier price.
So, how does it actually taste? The 2021 Jean XXII Châteauneuf-du-Pape delivers the classic Rhône profile with plenty of dark fruit, spice, and structure, though it’s a bit more approachable than some of the higher-end offerings from the region.
The wine pours a medium ruby in the glass, with good clarity and a slightly viscous texture that hints at its moderate alcohol content.
The nose is inviting, with a mix of red and dark fruit—cherry, blackberry, and plum—layered over classic Rhône Valley herbal notes like lavender, sage, and rosemary. There’s also a touch of black pepper and a whiff of cigar box, adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
The palate follows through with ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, balanced by a hint of oak and plenty of peppery spice. The acidity is moderate, keeping things fresh, while the tannins provide just enough grip to remind you that this is still a structured wine. The alcohol (14%) is noticeable but well-integrated, and the finish is impressively long for a wine at this price point. Overall, it’s a well-balanced, full-bodied red that delivers a lot of what you’d expect from Châteauneuf-du-Pape—just in a slightly more accessible package.
For $19.99, the 2021 Trader Joe’s Jean XXII Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a compelling option, offering a legitimate taste of the Rhône Valley at a fraction of the usual cost. While questions remain about whether this is truly the same wine as Château Fargueirol’s $30 version, it still delivers on flavor, structure, and balance. It’s drinking well now but has enough backbone to age for a few more years. If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this is a solid pick.
France
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
GSM
14
N/A
30 Minutes
Now to 2028
Chateau Fargueirol
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