The vineyard comes first...
We are convinced that, to produce a great wine, the vine must grow in as natural a way as possible. This will enable it to fully express the natural balance of its surroundings. Thus, at Beaucastel, neither chemical fertiliser, pesticide nor insecticide has been used since 1964. Weeds are destroyed by plough and by hand, and all sprays used on the vines involve only natural products. Over the years, the vine has thus developed its own resistance to agression. Bees, ladybirds and worms are plentiful in our vineyards. Production levels are obviously low, but, through their organic nature, the wines reveal the essence of their terroir.
The estate covers a total of 130 hectares (321.24 acres), of which only 100 hectares (247.10 acres) are planted with vines in one plot.
Château de Beaucastel is a magical place surrounded by hills dotted with vineyards, olive trees and truffle oaks. Here, nature flourishes, becomes emancipated and feels comfortable. Very old vines with gnarled feet stand in the traditional style of the gobelet on a solid ground with round stones. When the mistral blows - that wind comes from the legendary Alps and rushes into the funnel of the southern Rhone Valley - you can feel it rushing over the vineyards and revealing the fragrance of the scrubland. It has the singing accent of the people living here, born and raised in the Mediterranean climate. The wines of Chateau de Beaucastel come from this ancestral land planted with 13 varieties.
The cult of the soil and the terroir
At Château de Beaucastel, Famille Perrin attaches the utmost care to respect the land and restore it to its purest expression. Respecting the terroir both means enhancing the soil characteristics, the environment, but also highlighting the history of the place. A search for authenticity, uniqueness in order to transmit it, to make it alive, while revealing all the treasures of the Chateau de Beaucastel.
Besides, Famille Perrin is known for having been a pioneer in its innovative approach of organic farming in 1950 and then biodynamics in 1974 at Chateau de Beaucastel. Because to make an expressing wine, the grape must have taste, it must reveal the quintessence of its aromas and the grandeur of its origins. Famille Perrin has always made every effort to place the vine in its universe, that is to say, the earth, the animals and the stars by which it is impacted. Understanding the Beaucastel ecosystem means to better value a treasure located on the northern part of the appellation, in a cool climate, exposed to the mistral wind (over 150 days per year), on a very complex terroir full of limestone, clay and sand. Every day, on each plot, the work helps to stimulate the physiology of the plant and its natural resistance. Famille Perrin has always preserved this unique ecosystem with passion, which gives to the wines a unique combination of power, structure, elegance and freshness.
Elegance, sophistication and art of blending
Famille Perrin is proud of this rare elegance that is the signature of Chateau de Beaucastel. A wine with finesse and a surprising freshness for a region best known for the hot character of its wines. Here, the wines are not dominated by the powerful Grenache. It is
more a matter of balance with other varietals that bring freshness and roundness. The tradition of blending the 13 historical varieties of Chateauneuf du Pape is still maintained at Château de Beaucastel (Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault , Vacarèse, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne). Mastering the art of blending grape varieties, through a unique know-how passed down from generation to generation, helps Famille Perrin to make unique wines every year. And to make, only in exceptional vintages, the prestigious "Hommage à Jacques Perrin”.