2021 Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Its Origins

“Charvin may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape”, says Robert Parker. Domaine Charvin was created in 1851 by Guillaume Charvin. For over one hundred years, the harvest was sold in bulk to negociants in the region. The modern era began in 1990, when the young, energetic Laurent Charvin began to manage the estate. He was the sixth generation of his family to work at the property. 1990 was the first vintage for the Domaine in which they produced, bottled, and sold their own wine. Over the last 30yrs these have become one of the most highly regarded of all Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Charvin was Caro's very first agency, we've been importing these since we opened in 1995! Laurent still runs this small family estate located in the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Domaine has vineyard holdings of just 8 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and 13 hectares in Cotes du Rhone. The average age of his organically grown vineyards is over 50 years old, with the oldest being over 80 years of age. Laurent Charvin describes his vineyard site as being cool for Chateauneuf as their vines are mostly planted on sandy and rocky north facing slopes. Robert Parker described him as one of the softest spoken, yet reflective and hardworking people in Chateauneuf du Pape. His wines are consistently outstanding, and age extremely gracefully. In addition, Laurent also excels in the difficult vintages, which is common for vignerons who spend the majority of their time in the vineyards. Remaining staunchly in favor of only making a single cuvee, Laurent's Chateauneuf du Pape is always a rough blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Vaccarese. He never destems and the wine sees absolutely no oak, aging 21 months in large concrete tanks and is unfined and unfiltered. These are beautiful elegant expressions of Chateauneuf du Pape, with a focus on freshness, supported by pure fruits and elegant silky textures. Compared to his peers at the top level, Laurent has always kept his prices well behind the market. Which has made us and Charvin lovers very happy!