Clos des Centenaires crafts authentic old-vine Grenache from a superior 7-hectare hillside in Costières-de-Nîmes, the Rhône's southern most AOC, just 35 miles southwest of prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Founded in 2016 by Luc Baudet—former owner of reference domaine Château Mas Neuf—and his wife Stéphanie, the estate unites rolled-pebble Villafranchian soils and maritime breezes identical to those forging CdP's iconic wines. Their Grenache Vieilles Vignes cuvée channels this shared terroir: sun-ripened fruit, garrigue spice, and mineral depth at a fraction of CdP prices, thanks to biodynamic farming, concrete vats, and second-use barrel aging.

This southern Rhône gem sits on the same west bank of the Rhône, where ancient river deposits create heat-radiating galets that mirror Châteauneuf's signature. Luc and Stéphanie Baudet cultivate centenarian Grenache vines (80+ years) with natural grass cover, biodynamic compost, and zero pesticides—hand-harvesting for precision. The result rivals top CdP in generosity and structure, but delivers exceptional value from Languedoc's cooler edge.

Why You'll Love It

• Châteauneuf quality at fraction of cost: Same rolled-pebble soils and maritime influence as CdP, yielding plush Grenache with black fruit, spice, and velvety tension—for far less.

• Old-vine concentration: Heritage plantings (80+ years) on 7ha hillside deliver deep damson plum, stewed raspberry, and mineral backbone with 14.5% ABV power.

• Authentic craftsmanship: Whole-cluster concrete fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and 400L barrel aging craft gastronomic depth true to southern Rhône tradition.

How to Serve It

• Temperature & decant: 60-64°F after 1-hour decanting to soften tannins and unleash red/black fruit with spicy florals.

• Pairings: Robust yet subtle terroir dishes like: 7-hour lamb, gardiane de taureau (Camargue bull stew), wild boar daube, grilled duck hearts, or Provençal ratatouille

• Glassware: Wide-bowled Burgundy stem to capture the ample, velvety finish with sappy minerality. Cellar through 2026+