At Domaine de Cristia, 90% of the terroir is composed of sandy/clay soils planted on the Eastern sector of the appellation (lieu-dit ‘Cristia’). These parcels of Châteauneuf-du-Pape benefit from a cool, fresh north-easterly exposition that allows the grapes and wines to develop supple, elegant tannins.

The grapes are selected in the vineyard, then destemmed before being put into vats. Three weeks of fermentation and maceration in concrete vats follow, with the use of indigenous yeasts. Temperatures are kept low in order to produce aromatic wines. We do not insist on any massive extraction but prefer the ‘matiere’ to express itself. (Due to the way we work in the vineyards, the grapes possess enough concentration). The pressed juice and free-run juice are blended together according to the vintage. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are aged in concrete vats and barrels for up to 24 months.

Cuvée Renaissance is comprised of 60% Grenache from 110-year-old vines in Cristia Haut lieu-dit and 40% Mourvedre from 55-year-old vines in the southeast part of the appellation. The vines grow in sandy clay soil with eastern exposure. All aged in wood, 1/3 in new oak, 1/3 in one-year-old barrels, 1/3 in demi-muids. Destemmed.