Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape

About

In the 14th century, during their stays in Avignon, the popes – especially Pope John XXII – built a papal castle in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Impressed by the area’s exceptional soils, they established vineyards on the slopes surrounding the chateau and were instrumental in promoting the local wine’s reputation around the world. A notarial act dated 16 December 1695 mentions “Bois Renard”, which over time has become “Beaurenard”. It has been a family-run estate for seven generations now. The estate covers 32 hectares of vines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and 25 hectares in the Cotes du Rhone-Villages and Rasteau AOC area. The Coulon brothers, Daniel and Frederic, have taken over from Paul and Regine and are striving to sustain tradition. The Domaine is home to the ”Symphony of 13 varieties” typical of this AOC, which provide aromatic complexity, strength and balance. The 13 grape varieties, the pebbles, the sun and the Mistral have been joining forces for centuries to give birth to each vintage of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Its terroir is unique in that large sun-warmed stones diffuse a gentle, providential heat that helps the grapes to mature and their juice to concentrate.

Brothers Daniel and Frederic Coulon continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. They produce two whites and two reds from their roughly 80 acres of vines with both the classic red and white seeing traditional vinifications and elevages, and the top red and white Boisrenard cuvees seeing a touch of new oak in their elevage. All the wines show classic characters and shine more for their balance and purity than sheer opulence and power.

Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape is no slouch, with ample richness, bold cherry and apricot fruit and attractive hints of dried spices and garrigue. Complex, full-bodied and supple, it finishes long and silky.