Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France

Rooted in the Southern Rhône’s storied terroir, the 2020 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape embodies both the depth and finesse that define this historic appellation. From organically farmed old vines, some over 100 years old—this cuvée showcases the Grangeon family’s dedication to purity, elegance, and balance.

Product Details:

• Wine Type: Red
• Varietal Composition: 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Vine Age: Average 50 years (Grenache up to 100 years)
• Soil: Sand, clay, limestone, and galets
• Farming: Certified organic since 2008
• Fermentation: 3-week fermentation and maceration in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts
• Aging: 18 months – Grenache in concrete, Syrah and Mourvèdre in barrels
• Winemaker/Owners: Baptiste and Dominique Grangeon

Sensory Description:

Deep cherry red in color, this Châteauneuf bursts with aromas of violets, liquorice, ripe black cherries, and plums, accented by notes of dried herbs, tomato leaf, mint, and peppery garrigue. The palate is full-bodied yet balanced, with supple, ripe tannins framing layers of black and red fruit, sweet spice, and hints of leather. Creamy and lush in texture, the wine lingers with a silky, fruit-driven finish that reflects both richness and finesse.

Awards & Accolades:

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (92 points): “Ripe and rounded… black cherries and plums… full-bodied, creamy and lush, with a lingering, silky finish.”
• Jeb Dunnuck (91 points): “Fleshy, forward, delicious… plenty of spicy red and black fruits with classic peppery garrigue and leather nuances.”
• Vinous (91 points): “Bursts from the glass with ripe red and black fruits, dried herbs, tomato leaf, and mint… refreshing acidity and a sapid finish.”
• James Suckling (92 points): “Effusive raspberry and redcurrant fruit wrapped around powdery tannins… wild herb aromas with aeration. Drink or hold.”
• Decanter (91 points, 2019 vintage): “Fresh, open, spicy and precise… fine, grippy tannins and elegance.”

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1942, Domaine de Cristia began with just two hectares of vines, selling grapes to local négociants. In 1999, Baptiste Grangeon bottled the first vintage under the Cristia label, and with his sister Dominique, has since grown the estate to 20 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ninety percent of their holdings lie in the lieu-dit Cristia, with soils of sand, clay, limestone, and galets shaping wines of supple tannins and aromatic finesse. Organically farmed since 2008, the domaine emphasizes gentle extraction and minimal intervention, letting the fruit and terroir speak naturally.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Rhône glasses. This wine pairs beautifully with lamb shank, braised beef, cassoulet, game birds, or aged cheeses. With its balance of ripe fruit, spice, and garrigue complexity, it will shine both at the table and in the cellar for the next 8–10 years.

The 2020 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a benchmark expression of the appellation: lush, elegant, and deeply rooted in tradition, yet crafted with a modern sensitivity that highlights purity and finesse.