Charbonniere Châteauneuf-du-Pape

A classic and impeccably made Châteauneuf Du Pape by the outstanding Domaine de la Charbonnière. "Ripe black cherries, blackberries, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and Southern France street market-like nuances all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish." Jeb Dunnuck

• Winery: Domaine de la Charbonniere
  
• Varietal: 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
  
• Region: Rhone Valley, France
  
• Vintage: 2019
  
• Alcohol: 15.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
  
• Other: Best drinking now to 2032
  
• Food match: Roast pork & lamb, game meat; stews and Goulash; grilled vegetables; Indian, Korean and Mexican cuisine; softer & creamy cheeses
  

Aged in oak vats, this traditional cuvee has a distinctive character with its lovely ripeness and richness of red fruit and spicy notes. This wine can be enjoy young, but its structure gives it a good potential for ageing.

"A fantastic estate, Domaine de la Charbonnière is run by the Maret family, with the two daughters, Caroline and Veronique, taking more and more responsibility. The wines are made by Veronique and the estate produces five, sometimes six (including the white) Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a solid Vacqueyras, and a Cotes du Rhone. For the most part, the wines are traditional in style and age gracefully.” Jeb Dunnuck

"Domaine de la Charbonnière was bought by Eugène Maret in 1912 to please his wife, native from Chateauneuf du Pape and winemaker's daughter of the appellation.

Fernand Maret, their son, inherited a part of the estate and enlarged it at the birth of the next generation, Michel.

Today, Michel Maret and his two daughters Caroline and Véronique have:

• 19 hectares 50 spread out on Châteauneuf du Pape appellation;
• Nearly 6 hectares of AOP Vacqueyras and
• 2 hectares of AOP Côtes du Rhône.

Under the benevolent eye of their parents, the 4th generation dedicates themselves to the vine culture until the wines making. In respect of family traditions, they continue the work of plot selection set up by their father, of reasoned and sustainable culture to produce complex and elegant wines.

Today, all wines are vinified and aging by Véronique; even if her father is still around during the Vinification season. Each vintage is unique because soils and climate conditions determine wines’ character.

We produce wonderfully well-balanced wines that combine the intensity and depth of fruit with finesse and elegance. Our wines have been distinguished repeatedly by the most prestigious journalists of the World (Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Bettane & Desseauve, Decanter, Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson, John Livingstone ...).

Culture and Philosophy

Our philosophy? Organic and sustainable raisonné grape-growing. We combine both cultures in order to let grapes thriving and to pick them in the best conditions. Also, taking care of our land is important because in fact what we are looking for is the best expression of soil “Le terroir”.

For every vintage, 90% of works are done in the vineyards. Every year, we reconsider each task to each parcel of vines because of climatic conditions, observation of the vine, type of terroirs, maturity...

Our winter, chores are pruning and the traditional ploughing that may seem straightforward at first glance, but in fact demand great care. In springtime and summer, it is time for the meticulous ebourgeonnage and the removal of surplus unripe grapes and surplus leaves – which are done by hand-. Balance and concentration (aromas and fruits) are our goals.

In September, we prepare the harvest by close observation and tasting the berries. The harvest lasts 15 days on nearly one month, going from an earliest-ripening to the latest-ripening plots. It is only a question of patience and we have to keep in mind that every vintage is different and has its shares of surprises.

Lastly, harvesting reflects perfectly our philosophy for the respect of tradition: all grapes are picked by hand and sorted twice (once in the vineyard and the second on the manual sorting table), so that Veronique receives the healthiest possible fruit and makes outstanding wines."

Domaine de la Charbonnière

• 94/100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2019 vintage)
  
• 92/100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2018 vintage)
  
• 94/100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017 vintage)
  
• 94/100 Points - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2017 vintage)
  
• 94/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
  
• 94/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - James Suckling (2016 vintage)
  
• 92/100 Points - Jeff Leve (2012 vintage)