Domaine de Beaurenard - Rasteau 2021

Beaurenard is one of the appellation’s most reliable names. Thirty-two hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf and 25 in Côtes du Rhône and Rasteau form a solid foundation, cultivated using biodynamic methods by the Coulon brothers, who have recently been joined by the very friendly and brilliant Victor Coulon, the latest generation of the dynasty. The estate’s style is executed with great mastery and promises delightful surprises for those willing to wait. Of particular note is the exciting new cuvée, Gran-Partita—inspired by Mozart and blending 13 grape varieties—which has our full endorsement. An undeniable triumph in terms of quality, it brings to the estate that touch of whimsy that was sometimes missing from the rest of the lineup. Bravo!

Since 1929, seven generations have succeeded one another, leading up to Daniel and Frédéric Coulon, who now manage a 63-hectare vineyard certified as organic and biodynamic. A trusted name in the southern valley, producing wines in Châteauneuf, Rasteau (both dry and sweet), and Côtes-du-Rhône.

The Coulon family has been growing grapes for seven generations. Paul and Régine, along with their two sons, Daniel and Frédéric, currently manage thirty hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and twenty-five in the Côtes-du-Rhône, with quite different terroirs. The red grapes are destemmed and then lightly crushed. Aging takes place for 9 to 15 months in oak barrels and casks. The wines demonstrate a fine command of winemaking techniques, with the whites often displaying great elegance.

 

You have to have tasted the old Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines from the 1950s and 1960s produced by Domaine Beaurenard to understand both the potential and the evolution of this iconic estate’s production. Without denying their heritage, the Coulon brothers have moved toward a more modern approach. The reds have become dark and dense, with a certain emphasis on power, even a hint of austerity. In both reds and whites, the aging process is marked by pronounced oak influence, particularly in the Boisrenard. Over the past few vintages, their wines seem to have achieved better balance: they are more dynamic and lively. Having better integrated their aging, they more accurately express promising fruit even in their youth and a beautiful energy drawn from the soil, which will accompany them over time.