Château de Beaucastel

Domaines Perrin

"Chateau de Beaucastel has become the leading estate at Chateuneuf-du-Pape and is now in a class of its own"
(John Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhone, Faber & Faber)

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Château de Beaucastel, arguably, the best estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is owned by François and Jean-Pierre Perrin. It is certainly the longest-lived wine from the whole of the Southern Rhône, ageing well for 20 or more years in a top vintage such as 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001. However, it is atypical for the appellation. Of all the estates in the region, Beaucastel is one of only three to plant and vinify all thirteen grape varieties permitted by the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation regulations and includes a whopping 30-35% Mourvèdre in its red wine, matching the contribution from Grenache in the final blend. In great years, the Perrins produce a massively concentrated ultra-ageworthy cuvee, "Homage à Jacques Perrin" in very small quantities. Please let us know if you would like to be offered this wine. Alternatively, check out our Fine Wines - there may be the odd bottle available there!

The family also owns a large Côtes du Rhône estate, also farmed organically, known as Coudoulet de Beaucastel. Whilst it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive generic wines from the whole region, it is almost certainly the very best, having more in common with very good Châteauneuf than with other Côtes du Rhône wines. We still have some stocks of this wine in the 2002 vintage which benefits from the use of Grenache which would normally go into the grand vin (no Beaucastel was made in 2002) as well as the more robust 2003..

More important for some consumers is the fact that these wines are organically produced (they have full Ecocert status from the 2001 vintage although the bottles will not bear the logo).

The Perrins have extended their negociant arm. The recently-established Domaines Perrin offers wines from more prestigious appellations. This comprises a range of extremely high quality wines from all over the Rhône Valley .