Grapes: Greanche, Mouvèdre, Carignan, Syrah
Region: Cotes-du-Rhone, France
Vintage: 2023
Viticulture: Biodynamic + Organic
Soils: Sandy + Clay + Galets Roulés
Vinification: Whole cluster fermentation in cement tanks
Aging: 1 year in cement
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None
Notes from the Importer: Founded in 1851, Laurent Charvin is the sixth generation to run the family estate. Soon after he took over from his father, Laurent dispensed with most modern winemaking technologies and converted the estate’s entire 28 hectares (including 10 ha of Châteauneuf-du-Pape) to organic viticulture. Vinification begins with traditional whole-cluster fermentation. In addition to leaving the stems, elevage is uniquely undertaken in concrete tank - no barrel. Until recently, Laurent was almost the only grower to continue to vinify traditionally.
But following success and recognition, many have begun to follow Laurent's lead. Indeed, Laurent is regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, renowned owner of the restaurant Beaugraviére in Mondragon, as well as other top sommeliers and wine writers in France. As of 2023, Domaine Charvin now joins only Clos des Papes, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Château Rayas, and Le Vieux Donjon as 3-star rated producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape by the RVF Green Guide.
