DOMANIE DE CRISTIA

Courthezon, France

Created by Etienne Grangeon 70 years ago, the property originally comprised 2 hectares of Grenache. It was developed further by the driving force of his son Alain, who joined the domaine in 1963. Passionate about viticulture, he notably contributed to the expansion of the domaine and planted improved grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre and created the identity of Cristia, based on the knowledge and respect of his soils.

Then, in 1999, Baptiste and Dominique joined their father. Their priorities were to concentrate on selecting the best parcels in order to produce a wine of a great quality, with a good ageing potential.

90% of the terroir is composed of sandy/clay soils planted on the Eastern sector of the appellation (lieu-dit ‘Cristia’). These parcels of Châteauneuf-du-Pape benefit from a cool, fresh north-easterly exposition which allows the grapes and wines to develop supple, elegant tannins.

One separate parcel, situated on the highest part of the appellation (lieu-dit ‘La Roquette’), is covered with round stones formed by the former passage of the Rhône, and benefits from permanent sunshine. The heat of the day is absorbed by the stones and given off during the night, which creates a constant even temperature and allows optimum phenolic and alcoholic maturity.

This combination of different terroirs is ideal to obtain a Châteauneuf-du-Pape with finesse, density, richness and elegance, together with a great ageing potential.

The parcels of Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Côtes-du-Rhône and Vin de Pays are spread out around the village of Courthézon, the limit of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terroirs there are essentially clay/sand and are able to produce wines in the same style as the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Above all, our aim is to produce wines that we are proud of. Of prime importance is finesse and elegance. From our Vin du Pays to our Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we invite you to discover the wines of Domaine de Cristia.

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