Domaine Marcoux 2010

Domaine de Marcoux, a small Châteauneuf domaine, is owned and managed by Catherine and her sister, Sophie Estevenin. After a visit to Domaine Leroy in Burgundy in 1990 Philippe put one third of his 34 hectares to bio-dynamic culture in 1990. Today all the vineyards are farmed according to bio-dynamic principles. This is designed to bring the vineyard back into balance after the post-war excessive use of chemicals. Armenier also feels that this renewed balance results in more effective photosynthesis, contributing to a steadier, more even ripening process. The vineyards are planted with Grenache (70%), Mourvèdre (10%), Cinsault (5%) and Syrah (5%). Another 5% is given over to different vines varieties such as Muscardin, Counoise and Vaccarèse. Marcoux has its vineyards dotted around the appellation and is therefore blessed with a large variation of soil-types, ranging from the large round smooth stone soils, to sand, gravel and limestone. The regular Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the best examples in the appellation, while the Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is a powerful and concentrated wine and is now one of the most sought after deluxe cuvées in Châteauneuf.