Demeter-certified biodynamic Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate producing profound old-vine Grenache of great depth and terroir expression.
Signature wines: marcoux-chateauneuf-vieilles-vignes, marcoux-chateauneuf-classique
Tip: The Vieilles Vignes cuvee from centenarian Grenache is among the most complex and age-worthy in CdP.
Address: Route de Sorgues, 84230 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone Valley
One of CdP's most traditional domaines, the Michel family producing classically-structured Grenache-dominant reds of great consistency.
Tasting: By appointment at the estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Signature wines: vieux-donjon-chateauneuf
One of CdP's most traditional domaines, the Michel family producing classically-structured Grenache-dominant reds of great consistency.
Tasting: By appointment at the estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Signature wines: vieux-donjon-chateauneuf
Tavel domaine producing the reference rose of the appellation, the Dame Rousse, alongside Lirac red and white and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Tavel; appointment preferred
Signature wines: mordoree-dame-rousse-tavel, mordoree-reine-des-bois-lirac-rouge
Tip: La Dame Rousse is the reference Tavel rose; structured enough to age 3-5 years.
Historic Gigondas estate with old-vine parcels across the Dentelles de Montmirail producing structured, spice-laden reds.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Gigondas
Signature wines: santa-duc-gigondas-classique, santa-duc-gigondas-prestige
Tip: Aux Relagnes is the classic Gigondas cuvee; Hautes Garrigues is the prestige single-vineyard bottling.
One of Gigondas's most respected traditional estates, producing Grenache-dominant reds from old vines on clay-limestone slopes.
Tasting: Tasting room at the domaine; open weekdays
Signature wines: raspail-ay-gigondas
Gigondas estate with recorded winemaking history to the 15th century, run by Louis Barruol as both domaine and Southern Rhone negociant.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the chateau; appointment recommended
Signature wines: saint-cosme-gigondas, saint-cosme-le-claux
Tip: The estate occupies the hillside above the village with Roman-era cellars carved from the rock.
Rasteau family domaine producing both the dry appellation red and the traditional Rasteau vin doux naturel (VDN), one of the few maintaining this fortified wine tradition.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Rasteau
Signature wines: soumade-rasteau-confiance, soumade-rasteau-vdn
Tip: The Rasteau VDN is a fortified Grenache in Rancio style; a disappearing tradition well worth seeking out.
