2015 Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes

Domaine de la Charbonnière is in the eastern part of Châteauneuf du Pape, near the commune of Courthèzon. The 68-acre estate includes vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhone appellations. The domaine has been in the Maret family since 1912, when Eugene Maret bought the domaine to please his new wife, who was the daughter of a winemaker. Several generations later the estate is owned and operated by Michel Maret and his daughters Caroline and Véronique. Véronique and Michel are the winemakers, and since 2012 the domaine has been entirely operated by biodynamic principles. Wine Advocate has noted that “the Maret family runs this impeccably managed estate…from which they produce their superb Les Hautes Brusquières…” Wine Advocate has often rated the wines in the mid-90s. The estate also makes a white Châteauneuf du Pape.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.