Rhône

Domaine de la Charbonnière

Châteauneuf du Pape

It's very exciting to see a producer who has been focused on high quality for a number of years suddenly leap a step further with the incorporation of a new generation of the family into the business. Under the experienced direction of Michel and Mireille Maret, daughters Caroline and Veronique are now bringing their youthful energy and exuberance to this vibrant enterprise. The house style is more elegant and a little leaner than Giraud's.

The Marets have moved from using 100% stainless steel for fermentation to at least 50% large wooden 'cuves'. This has contributed to the fabulous silky texture of all of their red Châteauneuf cuvées.

The 2007s express a similar wonderfully natural, un-forced concentration to the 2005 Bordeaux when tasted from barrel. In the same way, these will be some of the longest-lived wines of the vintage.

“I am a big fan of Michel Maret’s Domaine de la Charbonnière” “This is one of the most well-run estates in Châteauneuf du Pape thanks to the meticulous and passionate efforts of proprietor Michel Maret.” - Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com