The Château de Beaucastel, a Legend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Located in Courthézon, within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Château de Beaucastel is a true viticultural institution. The Estate stands out due to several specific characteristics that make it one of the most renowned and respected producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhône Valley.
These particularities are the result of a long family tradition and a forward-thinking vision:

The use of the 13 Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties

Undoubtedly Beaucastel’s most famous characteristic. The estate is one of the few to use and blend all 13 grape varieties authorized by the appellation in its red Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin for the reds, and Clairette, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul for the whites, the latter being present in small proportions in the red). This blending complexity gives the wines unparalleled aromatic richness and depth, as well as a great aging potential.

Pioneer of organic and biodynamic agriculture

As early as the 1950s, under the impetus of Jacques Perrin, Beaucastel adopted organic farming practices, followed by biodynamic practices in 1974. This environmentally friendly approach, long before it became a trend, is fundamental for the Perrin family. It aims to preserve the vitality of the soils and the balance of the vineyard’s ecosystem, which is reflected in the purity and expression of the terroir in the wines.

The unique Terroir and the role of “galets roulés”

The estate boasts an exceptional terroir, particularly a large parcel located at the northern tip of the appellation, covered with the famous “galets roulés” (rounded pebbles). These large stones, characteristic of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, absorb the sun’s heat during the day and release it back to the vines at night, promoting optimal and consistent ripening of the grapes. The Mistral, a cold north wind, also plays a crucial role by keeping the vines healthy and concentrating the aromas.

The dominance of Mourvèdre in the blend (especially “Hommage à Jacques Perrin”)

While many Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are dominated by Grenache, Beaucastel stands out with a significant proportion of Mourvèdre in its red blend, up to 30% in the classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape and much more (often 60% or more) in the “Hommage à Jacques Perrin” cuvée. This grape variety brings structure, fine tannins, and complex aromas of black fruits, spices, and undergrowth, greatly contributing to the wines’ longevity.

The Rarity and Excellence of its White Wines

Beaucastel is certainly renowned for the excellence of its red wines, but its white wines are just as impressive and stand out as true benchmarks. Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, characterized by a high proportion of Roussanne, is in high demand. And for lovers of great wines, the “Roussanne Vieilles Vignes” cuvée is a revelation: a 100% Roussanne from very old vines, offering unique aromatic richness and an exceptional ability to age well.

The Cuvée “Hommage à Jacques Perrin”

This prestige cuvée, produced only in exceptional vintages and in tiny quantities, is the pinnacle of the estate’s production. It is a testament to the vision and legacy of Jacques Perrin, with an even more pronounced dominance of Mourvèdre and an almost unlimited aging potential.

Mastery of Winemaking and Aging

The Perrin family vinifies each grape variety separately, using techniques adapted to each (cement tanks for Grenache, large oak foudres for Mourvèdre and Syrah). Aging primarily takes place in large oak foudres, promoting slow oxygenation and respecting the fruit, without excessively marking it with new wood.

In summary, the specific characteristics of Château de Beaucastel lie in a unique combination of respect for tradition (use of the 13 grape varieties, terroir), innovation (pioneering biodynamics), and an unceasing quest for excellence that results in wines of great complexity, remarkable purity, and exceptional aging potential.

Some of the best vintages, often cited by critics (Robert Parker, James Suckling, Wine Spectator, etc.) for Château de Beaucastel:

• Château de Beaucastel 1989: A legendary vintage, often rated 100/100 by Robert Parker for “Hommage à Jacques Perrin.” An incredibly concentrated and complex wine, with phenomenal longevity.
• Château de Beaucastel 1990: Another anthology vintage, powerful and balanced.
• Château de Beaucastel 2010: Considered an exceptional vintage, often rated 98+/100 by Robert Parker for the “Hommage à Jacques Perrin.” A wine of remarkable depth and structure.
• Château de Beaucastel 2016: An acclaimed vintage, offering a perfect balance between richness and freshness, with great aging potential.
• Château de Beaucastel 2018: Very well-rated, with beautiful complexity and a powerful character.