Domaine Charvin

Laurent Charvin 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 the vineyards is over 50 years old with the oldest being nearly 80 years of age. Laurent Charvin describes his vineyard site as being cool for Chateauneuf as their vines are mostly planted on sandy north facing slopes. Certified organic.

Charvin produces finely styled Grenache based wines showing great depth and finesse (approximately 80% Grenache for each wine with small amounts of Vacaresse and Mourvedre as well as small amounts of Carignan and Bourboulenc for the Côtes du Rhône). Winemaking is traditional with no de-stemming and all ageing is done in cement tanks. No wood is used for the elevage of either wine. There are no secrets here, simply old vines, very low yields and minimal winemaking intervention. The Côtes du Rhône is regularly rated as one of the very best from this area and perhaps it is not surprising as the vines for this cuvee border directly on to the appellation for Chateauneuf du Pape in the northern sector where they are located.

Quantities for 2018 are some of the smallest yields ever for this region particularly in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape with very heavy spring rainfall and notably little mistral wind. Yields were substantially down in volume affected by mildew from the exceptionally wet and humid weather reducing the yields by 30-55%. After a very hot and dry June and July the first week of August bought rain of about 100+ millimetres before a cool and dry September with dry weather and cool nights resulting in wines with great aromatic lift, freshness and elegance.

‘The Charvins have owned their domaine since 1851. Laurent Charvin represents the sixth generation, but he was the first in the family to estate-bottle the wine, which was previously sold off to négociants. Charvin makes only one red Châteauneuf-du- Pape. Thanks to its fermentation, aging in large concrete vats, and the light-hand in winemaking, this is consistently one of the purest and most perfumed expressions of the appellation. Due to the low-yielding and mostly old vines (50 years of age, on average), the wine never lacks depth. Charvin owns just eight hectares in the northwest sector of the appellation.’ Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media, October 2021.

‘Laurent Charvin is, in an inexplicable way, one of the most underappreciated vignerons in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Certified in organic viticulture, he manages 33 hectares of vines, including 11 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 20 hectares in the Côtes du Rhône appellation and two hectares in Vin de Pays. Charvin crafts wines of real finesse and velvety tannins through meticulous viticulture, spontaneous grassing and careful soil management—practices that few in the region employ. His vineyards are primarily composed of sandy soils with clay clusters. “Picking at the right time and freshness is the key in the south,” he says. A strong advocate of whole-bunch fermentation to enhance “salinity in the wines,” Charvin matures all his wines in concrete tanks, resulting in sensuality, elegance, finesse and an ethereal character.’ Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, September 2024.

2023 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Damon 750 ml - NEW
New 2.2ha plot for the domaine which came from relatives who managed to pursuade Laurent to purchase this old family plot which adjoins existing family vineyards at the top of the hill towards Mont-Redon right up to the treeline in the lieu-dit Maucoil. Planted 80 years ago by Elie who was Laurents grandfather, hence the line at the bottom of the label “Elie en revait…“ meaning Elie dreamed of it… This higher site slopes to the north so has a slightly cooler exposition and since 2021 has been in conversion to organic viticulture and planted with 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah with a tiny bit of Carignan on a “warm terroir” of clay with large galets roulee pudding stones. This cuvee is also 100% whole-bunch and is raised in concrete vats and is bottled 6 months earlier than the classic Le Poutet cuvee of Cotes du Rhone. Deeper colour and shows brighter acidity this cuvee is sufficiently different to Le Poutet to warrant it being given its own identity and own label.
Of the 2022 vintage John Gilman says “This really drinks like a top flight Châteauneuf du Pape! 2030-2055.” 91 points.

2022 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet 750 ml
‘A wealth of red fruit aromas are wrapped around an elegant core of fine tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Excellent concentration and length for this appellation. So many delicate spice notes at the beautifully balanced finish A cuvee based on grenache. Bottled unfiltered.’ 92 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, April 2024.

‘From 2010 81% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2012, youngest 2004, 1992, oldest 1920s), 7.5% Syrah (1985), 7.5% Mourvèdre (1985, a recently rented plot), 5% Carignan (1950s), before was 85% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2008, youngest 1992, oldest 1920s), 10% Syrah (1985), 5% Carignan (1950s) from near Maucoil, Quartier Champovin, Boislauzon, sandy, clay-limestone, some galet stones soils, light crush, whole bunch 15-20 day fermentation, daily pumping overs, press wine added, concrete vat raised 18 months, fined, unfiltered, up to 50,000 b’
’(vat, bottling early March 2024) red robe; the nose bears a discreet sweetness and a sound hold on its Grenache plum fruit, some crackle in its herbs, is suggesting a rounded elegance with a little more time. The palate offers immediate fruit pleasure, the fruit well defined, and backed by neatly firm tannins that hold it together on the close. it’s a naked style Côtes, good access to its fruit and local garrigue ID, well suited to Mediterranean dishes, garlic included. Its length is present, understated. 13.5°. From spring-mid 2025. 2035-37’ John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, Feb 2024.

2022 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge
Average age of vines about 60 y.o. in sandy north-facing soil in north-west of appellation. 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Vaccarese. Vinified 100% whole-bunch, all raised in concrete tanks for 18-21 months, fined, unfiltered.

‘This astonishing Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the enormous aromatic complexity and subtlety that we expect from Grand Cru red Burgundies. Enormous concentration and ample richness on the palate, and the structure behind this is no less impressive. Stacks of very fine tannins. The black and red berry fruit washes over you in a huge wave in the breathtaking licorice finish. So much drive and freshness. Enormous aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.’ 98 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, April 2025.

‘(vat) medium depth red robe; the nose has a spiced overtone, with a gentle, floral and blood hover around its plum fruit, is a measured start, has possibilities. The palate serves a steady flow of mixed berry content, sparks of freshness here and there, develops into a crescendo clustered around white pepper, slightly vegetal notes from the stems as it finishes. The length is prolonged, with drive on the close. It has a naked nature for now – allow time for it to fill out its frame; drink from 2028 or later. 2046-48 Oct 2023’ 4 stars, John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, October 2023.

due 2026

2024 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape BLANC
‘A fantastic blend of 95% clairette rose and 10% bourboulenc. Subtle, delicate, layered and elegant with notes of dried lemons, fresh herbs, almond paste, apricots and hints of white flowers. It's medium-bodied with a seductive character to the palate. Supple and silky, with a caressing texture and plenty of aromatic expression and focus. Refined and harmonious. There’s a savory, almost herbal touch to the long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.’ 96 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, April 2025.