Domaine du Banneret Châteauneuf du Pape

Country	France
Region	Rhône Valley
Producer	Domaine du Banneret
Size	1.5L Magnum, 750mL
Style	Red
Practices	Organic
Grapes	Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
Other Features	Vegan, Woman-Owned/Crafted, Indigenous yeasts, Natural, Old Vines, Unfiltered, Unfined, With VOS for Multiple Generations

The traditional blending is 60% Grenache with famous parcels located on the highest parts of “Grand Pierre” terroir (very close to the Rayas vines), 10% Syrah near Bois de Boursan, and 10% Mourvèdre near the Rhône. The remaining 20% is comprised of the 10 other grapes that are part of the appellation and which bring the unique complexity only found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Many of the vines are 80 years old or older.

Yields are a parsimonious 1.4-1.8 tons/acre and the wine is very concentrated. Harvest is always strict and manual: grapes are cut with care and sorted. Winemaking is thoroughly traditional: all varieties are co-fermented (whole clusters) with indigenous yeasts in small concrete tanks, and the maceration period is lengthy. Some racking is done to keep the freshness. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (from Burgundy) for 24 months, clarified by many decantations. This method gives finesse, power, and complex aromas, plus all the natural tannins. This is ultra-traditional, concentrated, flavorful Châteauneuf. Unfortunately, total annual production never exceeds a scant 1,000 cases and is often closer to just 400.

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. In 1625, Jean Gaspard Bertet de la Cluse was commander of the colony of Illinois, in what was greater French Louisiana. Today, Banneret belongs to a Bertet descendant, Jean-Claude Vidal. He made his career as an architect but in 1989, 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 and his wife decided they would take over. Jean-Claude learned winemaking at the feet of Jacques Reynaud and Henri Bonneau, who made the early cuvées. He learned the traditional methods of his ancestors, and taught them to his daughter Audrey, who now oversees the domaine.

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.

Located on the characteristic galet-covered soil, the vineyards are divided in 8 parcels, around the famous castle ruins.

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