2022 Domaine Font de Courtedune Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes
In the world of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sand is gold. It’s the secret to the most elegant, perfumed expressions of Grenache, and it’s the very essence of Domaine Font de Courtedune. The domaine’s home village of Courthézon was anciently known as “Courtedune,” a name that hints at the rare, sandy dunes that define its terroir. Here, third-generation proprietor Caroline Charrier channels the magic of this soil into a wine of breathtaking purity and finesse, crafting what is essentially declassified Châteauneuf-du-Pape from 90-year-old vines.
This is Grenache in its most unadulterated form. Caroline follows a philosophy of radical simplicity: the ancient, organically-farmed bush vines are harvested by hand and fermented with whole clusters in traditional concrete tanks. There is no destemming, no oak, no fining, and no filtration. This is a wine guided by terroir and tradition, not modern fads. The result is a weightless, aromatic red that showcases the exquisite refinement that only Grenache grown on sand can achieve. It’s a pure, vibrant, and utterly pleasurable expression of one of the Southern Rhône’s most hallowed terroirs.
Why You’ll Love It
A Secret Châteauneuf-du-Pape:Sourced from 90-year-old Grenache vines in the Grand Cru sandy soils of Courthézon, a top village in the appellation.
The Magic of Sand:Experience the unique finesse, perfume, and elegance that sandy soils impart to Grenache.
Pure & Unfiltered:Made with zero oak and minimal intervention—just whole-cluster fermentation in concrete for a pure expression of fruit and terroir.
Weightless & Aromatic:A beautifully light and juicy red bursting with notes of fresh rose petals, wild herbs, and ripe red fruits.
How To Serve It
Decant:A 30-minute decant will allow its vibrant aromatics to fully express themselves.
Serving Temperature:Serve slightly chilled, around 60°F, in a Burgundy-style glass to capture the perfume.
Food Pairing:Perfect with roasted chicken, duck confit, grilled pork, or mushroom risotto.