ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Domaine du Banneret

This 3.5 hectare Lilliputian family-owned property is situated in the very heart of Châteauneuf du Pape. The estate traces its origins back to 1405, and the coat of arms on the label is that of the Bertet family. Banneret was created in 1989 by Jean-Claude Vidal, a descendant of Bertet. When the former owner was ready to retire, the question of whether the domaine would be sold to someone outside the family came up. Jean-Claude, who made his career as an architect, decided with his wife that they would take over. He learned winemaking and the traditional methods of his ancestors at the feet of Jacques Reynaud and Henri Bonneau, who made the early cuvées. He later taught his daughter, Audrey Vidal. She joined him in 2012 and runs the domaine since 2014.

Located on the characteristic galet-covered soil, the vineyards are divided in 8 parcels, around the famous castle ruins. They are inter-planted with all 13 varieties: Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Cinsault, Picpoul noir, and Counoise for the reds, Grenache blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussane and Picardan for the whites.

Farming / vinification practices: organic. The grapes are harvested together as long as the vintage allows it, and co-fermented. The age of the vines and their exceptional quality allow for no destemming. The wine is always unfined and unfiltered.