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.

2021 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet 750 ml
’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’
’quiet red robe; the nose leads on a pine needles, cedar air, a spiced undercurrent, and a note of damson jam in the second rank. It has a cool vintage nature. The palate clusters around white pepper, herbs on the attack, has a steady level of gras at its centre, is smoky and thrusting late on, notably vegetal on the finish. The length is established here. I feel the content is making inroads into the dry herbal tones, so it should be left until spring 2026, will be a gainer. 13.5°. 2033-35’ John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, Feb 2024.

2021 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.

‘A textural, pure and precise red with aromas of cherries, forest berries, dried roses, wet stones and some mild spices. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity, So much verve and class, with a bright red fruit character and a floral dimension to it. There are spices bringing energy and verve. It's infused yet intense, with a restrained character. Chiseled and refined, with a long, silky finish and a spicy accent. Unfiltered. Try after 2027.’ 97 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, April 2024.

‘gentle red robe; the nose is emerging on a restrained red stone fruited expression, rosemary and a note of cracked pepper pepping it up. The palate is cool and flowing, the oiliness of texture pleasing, gathers a little knot of damson plum concentration towards the finish. It’s artfully handled to achieve this harmony of approach, the winemaking restrained, successful. The rounded finish takes in dried herbs with a smoky register on the aftertaste. It gives a good picture of its place, vineyards flanked by pine trees. From mid-2025. 2042-44’
John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, Feb 2024

‘(vat) medium depth red; the nose gives a happy twinning of mulberry and raspberry fruit, with an appealing floral-pot-pourri under tone that brings grace. This is Châteauneuf bearing its true finesse. The palate concords with that, is harmonious and well rounded, carries a neat freshness with garrigue herbs on the second half. The purity of the gently perfumed fruit is very appealing. It has the feel of soils with sand present, just a thought. From 2025, decant. 2046-48 Oct 2022’ 4(+1) stars, John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, The Cradle Of The Rhône, October 2022.

”Beautiful floral aromatics of raspberries, minty herbs, sappy garrigue, and fresh rose petals all emerge from the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a bright, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant Châteauneuf du Pape from Laurent. It picks up more white pepper with time in the glass (no doubt from the stems) and has a fresh, focused, almost crunchy style that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and will evolve for well over a decade. This is an elegant, fresher Charvin with lots to love. Unfortunately, production is down more than 40%, so there's not much to go around. Tasted twice with consistent notes.” 91+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023

due 2025

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.

‘A gourmand, pure and perfectly crafted wine, the 2022 Cotes du Rhone from Domaine Charvin offers up aromas of iris, violet, dark wild berries and cherries. Medium-bodied, juicy and round, it's fresh and delicate with a long, ethereal and fresh finish.’ 91 points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, September 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.

“The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Le Poutet checks in as 81% Grenache, 15% Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the remaining 4% Carignan. Coming from the sandy soils just across the border from Châteauneuf du Pape, near the estate in the northwest sector of the region, its medium ruby hue is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe red fruits, herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and hints of white pepper. I love its overall balance, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It will shine for a solid decade.” 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck, Oct 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.

‘Another highlight this year, Charvin's 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape exhales a complex, floral bouquet of violet, rose petals, dark cherries, spices and menthol intertwined with delicate garrigue notes. Medium to full-bodied and fine-boned with a layered core of fruit, bright acids and velvety tannins, it finishes long and ethereal with a delicate tannic frame thanks to whole bunches. This blend of 80% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and the rest of Vaccarèse and Counoise is one of my favorites this year.’ (94-96) points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, September 2024.

“As to the Grand Vin 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape, it's a beautiful example of the vintage and has a perfumed, complex style in its mostly red fruits, peppery garrigue, orange blossom, and potpourri-like aromas and flavors. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it's beautifully balanced and has ultra-fine, polished tannins and a great finish. It's already impossible to resist, and while I see no need to delay gratification, it will have 10-15 years of longevity given its balance and nicely integrated structure.“ 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, Oct 2024

‘(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.