Crozes-Hermitage AOCSyrah, Marsanne, RoussanneFounded 2012ECOCERTCrozes-Hermitage
Maxime Graillot's own domaine in Mercurol. Old-vine Crozes-Hermitage parcels farmed organically with a site-specific focus.
Tasting: By appointment at the domaine
Signature wines: maxime-graillot-crozes-les-lises
Tip: A producer to follow; each vintage shows increasing terroir precision and elegance.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise, Cinsault, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, ClairetteFounded 1549Demeter CertifiedECOCERTChateauneuf-du-Pape
The Perrin family estate at Courthezon, one of the oldest and most biologically farmed CdP properties, using all 13 permitted varieties and producing the benchmark Roussanne Vieilles Vignes blanc.
Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the estate; wine shop on site
Signature wines: beaucastel-chateauneuf-rouge, beaucastel-roussanne-vieilles-vignes, beaucastel-hommage-a-jacques-perrin
Tip: The Hommage a Jacques Perrin is the prestige red; the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes white is the estate's flagship white wine.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOCGrenacheFounded 1880ORGANIC CERTIFIEDChateauneuf-du-Pape
The most celebrated estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, producing pure old-vine Grenache from shaded, sandy soils with extraordinary longevity.
Tasting: No public visits. Wines available by allocation through importers.
Signature wines: rayas-chateauneuf-rouge, rayas-chateauneuf-blanc
Tip: Emmanuel Reynaud also produces Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras and the Pignan second label; Rayas is extremely rare.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOCGrenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Clairette, BourboulencFounded 1898ECOCERTChateauneuf-du-Pape
The Brunier family estate on the La Crau plateau, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's most consistent properties, farming the stony galets roulees terrain.
Tasting: Tasting room open Monday to Friday; appointment for groups
Signature wines: vieux-telegraphe-la-crau, vieux-telegraphe-la-crau-blanc
Tip: The La Crau plateau stones absorb heat and radiate it at night, defining the opulent fruit of Vieux Telegraphe.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Vaccarese, Counoise, Roussanne, ClairetteFounded 1896ORGANIC CERTIFIEDChateauneuf-du-Pape
Paul-Vincent Avril's family estate, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's most consistent producers, making densely structured reds from a large parcel mosaic.
Tasting: By appointment at the estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Signature wines: clos-des-papes-rouge, clos-des-papes-blanc
Tip: The red uses Mourvedre more generously than most CdP estates, lending dark-earth, game-meat character.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOCGrenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, Cinsault, VaccareseFounded 1987Chateauneuf-du-Pape
The Feraud family domaine producing Chateauneuf-du-Pape of extraordinary concentration and longevity, particularly the special-edition Da Capo cuvee.
Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the estate
Signature wines: pegau-cuvee-da-capo, pegau-cuvee-reservee