CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE PIERRE ANDRE 2013
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - Biodynamic PIERRE ANDRE 2013
The Pierre André estate is located in Courthezon, between Orange and Bedarrides, to the east of the Châteauneuf – du-Pape vineyard. Pierre André is the name of the founder of the estate, aged 85 today, and who was one of the pioneers in organic farming in the appellation. In 1980, the estate was converted to organic farming and the last small treatments that still remained, such as that against the grape worm, were definitively stopped.
Thus, for more than thirty years, the vines of the Pierre André domain have not been subjected to the assaults of chemical treatments; and we must believe that they live it rather well because some of them are well beyond the century, they even reach the century… and a half! But it must be taken into account that, until 1987, the entire production was only sold to the trade. We then understand even better that here, tradition truly takes on a philosophical meaning and does not serve to enhance production: we are far from a desire to follow a fad for only commercial purposes! In 1984, Pierre André was joined by his two daughters, with whom he was to work for many more years. The first bottling at the estate therefore dates from 1987; then, quite naturally, the estate converted to biodynamic agriculture in 1992, becoming one of the first "organic" with the Marcoux estate in the appellation. Through successive purchases, the property continues to grow to reach eighteen hectares in production, sixteen of which are dedicated to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Jacqueline worked with her sister until 2008, when the latter left the farm. The estate now employs five full-time permanent staff.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge semblage is made up of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 2% Cinsault, then Counoise, Vaccarèse and Muscardin, the vines of which are planted in the plots. Whole harvest and two-year aging in concrete vats and oak casks in the purest tradition. In some vintages, the estate has not hesitated not to put out wine when production conditions have not turned out to be favorable. This was the case in 2002 and 2008 when the entire harvest was sold to the merchant.