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Marcoux’s Châteauneuf is drawn from 13 parcels of vines, biodynamically farmed and dotted across the appellation. The famous Crau plateau boasts a concentration of quality parcels, enhanced by the diverse soils of numerous sites. To the east of Chateauneuf proper, north of Le Crau, Chabonnières contributes sandy soils and produces ethereal grapes. Flung out to the far west L’Arnesque is settled on stony galets, with a sister site directly north of town in Les Bosques. To the south-west, Beaurenard and Les Esquirons form a line of limestone and white clay. The deep south sites of Les Galimardes, Les Serres and Les Plagnes show a shock of red in their clay and gravel soils, and grow equally intense fruit. This patchwork means Marcoux can produce a wine that holistically reflects the Châteauneuf terroir. It also allows the Domaine to craft balanced wines year in, year out, as each parcel is vinified separately before blending. Any parcels that do not fit the bill are typically declassified to Côtes-du-Rhône or sold to the négoces.
This year’s blend is 85% Grenache, with the balance drawn from Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. With no Vieilles Vignes produced in the 2022 vintage due to both hail and tiny yields, we suspect this cuvée benefited from the inclusion of some truly great fruit that would normally go into the Vieilles Vignes release. As is customary, the wines fermented naturally and were raised in concrete vat (up to 80%) and large, seasoned oak. The aging spanned 18 months, and the wine was bottled unfiltered.