Le Vieux Donjon

Le Vieux Donjon is located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The winery was founded when Lucien Michel married Marie-José and they combined their parental vineyards into one winery. Before that, Lucien bottled his own wines. In the meantime, the new generation is also on board, and daughter Claire is responsible for running the company together with her brother François.

The vineyard covers 18 hectares, which are divided into eight different plots. The plantings are mainly Grenache, followed by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. In addition, 1 hectare is planted with white grape varieties such as Clairette and Rouxanne. The average age of the vines is high; about 30% are up to 100 years old! These vines are planted on a soil of limestone and clay covered with the typical "galets roulés". These are flat stones that cover the ground. The vineyards are all farmed organically.

The work in the cellar is based on old traditions combined with modern techniques. Two Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are produced: one white and one red. Before fermentation, the stems are partially removed. The fermentation of the red wine takes place in cement barrels and is triggered by natural yeasts. The fermentation of the white wine takes place in stainless steel tanks, also with indigenous yeasts. The red wine is then aged in barrels for 12-18 months and the white cuvée is aged in barrels for a further 6 months. Domaine Le Vieux Donjon is not only known for its beautiful wines, but also for its excellent value for money.

The best vintages of Le Vieux Donjon are: 1998, 2007 and 2010.