The producer
Based in Courthézon near Château Rayas, Domaine Font de Courtedune makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape from sandy ground with rolled stones. Caroline Charrier works in winemaking and her brother Frédéric manages the vineyards. The domaine farms conventionally but selectively, uses sheep manure, and works the soils depending on the vintage. Whole bunch fermentation brings freshness to the aromatics and slightly lowers alcohol. Concrete tank ageing increases roundness and accessibility.
Known for
Sandy Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Notable facts
- Domaine Font de Courtedune is located in Courthézon, close to Château Rayas.
- Approximately 80% of the soil is sand, with some rolled stones.
- The Châteauneuf-du-Pape is composed of 99% Grenache with small plantings of Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Terret and Counoise.
- Caroline and Frédéric Charrier began bottling at the domaine in 1998 after a new cellar was built.
- The Châteauneuf-du-Pape is aged in concrete tanks to increase roundness and accessibility.
From the atlas
Domaine Font de Courtedune
A Courthézon domaine near Château Rayas, making a Grenache led Châteauneuf-du-Pape from sandy soil and ageing it in concrete tanks.
At A Glance
| Field | Details |
| Region | Rhône Valley |
| Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Village | Courthézon |
| Main grape | Grenache |
| Signature wine | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Font de Courtedune |
| Defining feature | Sandy soil, selective farming and concrete tank ageing |
The Producer
Caroline Charrier works in winemaking and her brother Frédéric Charrier manages the vineyards at Domaine Font de Courtedune. The domaine's Châteauneuf-du-Pape is delicate and pure, with a style shaped by the Charrier family's work in the cellar and vineyard.
Place
Courthézon is the commune for the domaine's address within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Domaine Font de Courtedune is close to Château Rayas in the Rhône Valley and shares the appellation's sandy terroir. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a regulated place name, so its appearance on the label identifies the wine's geographic origin.
Soil And Site
The soil is approximately 80% sand with some rolled stones. Sand drains quickly, while rounded stones can retain warmth during ripening.
Story
In 2010, after their father's death, Caroline and Frédéric took full control of the domaine. They implemented a minimalist winemaking philosophy.
Vineyards And Cellar
Farming is conventional but selective. Sheep manure is used as fertilizer, and the soils are worked as needed depending on the vintage.
Whole bunch fermentation leaves the stems with the grapes. Caroline Charrier says the stems bring freshness to the aromatics and slightly lower alcohol. This can help manage increases in alcohol caused by climate.
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape is aged in concrete tanks. Concrete tank ageing increases roundness and accessibility.
Wines
The estate's named wine is a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape presented by vintage. The range stays focused on this appellation bottling.
In The Glass
The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape opens with vibrant black cherry, while ripe red fruits, garrigue, sweet spices and a subtle floral note shape the nose. Leather and peppery sandalwood notes add further depth.
The palate is silky and fresh, supported by fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. Young bottles show fresh fruit, while age brings confit fruit characteristics.
A Bottle To Understand It
Choose Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Font de Courtedune. It is composed of 99% Grenache with small plantings of Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Terret and Counoise. The bottle carries the producer's name and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in full.
Anecdote
In 1998, Caroline and her brother Frédéric Charrier began bottling at the domaine after a new cellar was built. Until then, production had been delivered to the cooperative. The new cellar came first, followed by the family's move to bottling at the domaine.
Final Word
Domaine Font de Courtedune makes a Grenache led Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the sandy ground of Courthézon, with fresh aromatics and a rounded, accessible palate.
Sources
- https://brunolafonselection.com/domaine-font-de-courtedune/
- https://en.chateauneuf.com/domaines/domaine-font-courtedune-wines-chateauneuf-du-pape/
- https://www.idealwine.net/font-de-courtedune-une-valeur-sure-de-chateauneuf-du-pape/
- https://thebestvintage.fr/en/produit/font-de-courtedune-chateauneuf-du-pape-2021/