Winter has now settled in and with its firm arrival, our taste evolves and we seek gorgeous and more intense red wines. The prestigious wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape perfectly fit this profile and have been delivering luscious comfort through the season.
While the first appellation in France is rooted in history tracing to the Popes in the 14th century, the Domaine de Cristia is a recent Domaine which has risen to the top of the appellation in just over 20 years. Initially started in 1942 as a passionate grower with only 2 hectares, it steadily grew until 3rd generation Baptiste & Dominique Grangeon took over in 1999 and started bottling under their estate. A true renaissance, as they immediately pursue organic conversion and become fully certified in 2008. The Cristia name was chosen from the lieu-dit of their origin, neighbouring prestigious Rayas and a terroir with predominantly sandy soils, providing added freshness and finesse to their wines.
Today, the estate has grown to 19 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape of predominantly old Grenache vines farmed organically, and another 23 hectares in nearby Courthezon where the clay/sandy soils allow them to produce Cotes du Rhone in similar styles to Châteauneuf, of remarkable elegance across the ranges while starting at extremely affordable prices! A true exploration of Grenache with the 35-year-old vines used in ‘vin de pays’, the 60-year-old vines of the Cotes du Rhone ‘Garrigues’ and the Chateauneuf stretching up to 100-year-old vines blossoming in complex subtlety. Or Explore the aptly named ‘Renaissance’ with old Mourvèdre vines for added power.
Chapelle St Theodoric is a joint project between Baptiste Grangeon and US importer Mr Weygandt, started in 2009. The domain extension is comprised of two parcels; one in the lieu-dit "La Guigasse”, which is a pure sand soil where the old Grenache vines range in age of from 50 to 100 years; and the other parcel at the top of Pignan, "Le Grand Pin", literally adjoining the vines of Chateau Rayas by a mere 4 meters, also in pure whiter sand thriving with old vines Grenache under organic farming. The wines are aromatically complex and lovely, while not heavy or over-extracted. There is fabulous density and length on the palate but with lightness and elegance, almost stretching to a Burgundian style - truly extraordinary and unusual! This exciting venture has garnered extraordinary appraisals, with Rhone-specialist critic Jeb Dunnuck quoting: 'If there is a Rayas look-alike out there, this is it'.
Perfect for Grenache, Old Vines and Chateauneuf du Pape lovers and perfect winter warmer, but a treat all year long.