Domaine de la Charbonniere, Hautes Brusquieres Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Manual harvest and sorting at the estate by vibrating table, destemming at 75% and crushing of the grapes. Vinification of Grenache, Counoise and possibly Syrah together if the year and maturity allow it. The maceration lasts about 4 weeks, with gentle extractions. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats or in stainless steel vats. Aging is in wooden vats, in demi-muids, and in barrels.

Domaine de la Charbonniere was purchased by Eugene Maret in 1912. 90 years later and it is still a family-owned affair. The taciturn Michel Maret is a man of the soil, his reticence more than compensated by the eloquence of his wines, on the one hand, and the loquacious nature of his wife on the other. The two charming daughters, Veronique and Caroline, have found respective niches in the vineyard and the commercial function. All in all a complete and happy team, a facet once again echoed in the wines. Domaine de la Charbonniere owns 17.5 hectares of vineyards in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, as well as 4 hectares in Vacqueyras. Michel produces wonderfully well balanced wines that combine intensity and depth of fruit with finesse and elegance.