The producer
Arguably the leading estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape – perhaps the first among equals – for its consistency under the Perrin family for over a century. It’s history and fame harks back to 1549 when it was founded by the Beaucastel family. A large estate of 130 hectares the bulk of which is Chateauneuf-du-Pape famed organically since the 1950s and now biodynamically since 1974.
All 13 grape varieties are used for the production of the red Chateauneuf, and the “standard” wine is arguably among the best in the appellation, and great value. Things take a step up … no, call that a leap … with the ‘Hommage a Jacques Perrin’, which is based on 80% of 110-year-old Mourvèdre from the Courrieux vineyard and blended with varying amounts of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. This is stratospheric Chateauneuf in any terms!
Beaucastel also makes exceptional white Chateauneuf-du-Pape which is based on predominantly Roussanne but also using the five other grapes in the estate white wine. The Cuvee Vieille Vignes indeed comes from very old vines - planted in 1901 – and picked ripe to give an exotic richness of immense power yet still of unbelievable balance. We offer both red and white wine from Beaucastel.
The wine
The Cuvee Vieille Vignes is produced from 100% Rousanne and comes from 3 hectares of some of the oldest vines - planted in 1901 – in the region. Fruit is picked late to give an exotic richness of immense power yet still of unbelievable balance. First made in the 1986 vintage, the Vieilles Vignes ages in a combination of stainless steel tank and new and old French oak barrels. Richer, creamier, and more elegant and complex than the village cuvee, the best vintages of Vieilles Vignes can easily age for 30 years plus. Production is limited to around 500 cases per year.