Product Description
92 POINT CHATEAUNEUF!
"2013 was a much cooler vintage in Châteauneuf, which resulted in lower yields; so Julien Barrot decided to put all of the fruit normally reserved for the ‘Pure’ into the ‘Signature’ instead. I personally visited the Domaine a couple of years ago, walked the vineyards, and tasted the lineup with Julien – it really opened up my eyes to how dedicated to the land and the winemaking process he is which leads to the phenomenal wines he produces. – Jim Knight, The Wine House (2/27/17)
ABOUT DOMAINE LA BARROCHE
Region: Southern Rhone
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Producer: Domaine la Barroche
Founded: 1703
Domaine la Barroche is a family estate that has been passed down from one generation to the next since the 14th century. Julien’s father, Christian Barrot, is passionate about viticulture and has taken meticulous care of the family’s 12.5 hectare of vines since the early 1970’s. Until Julien joined his father back in 2002, all of the wine had been sold in bulk to negociants. Now, half of the Grenache vines are more than 100 years-old and are some of the oldest found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Julien has moved to completely organic viticulture (not certified) and his father is still following his passion and continues to work in the vineyards. Taking all of his father’s work to the next level, Julien is now vinifying each grape variety and some parcels separately, studying and learning his holdings parcel by parcel.
The vineyards are mainly in the north/north-east sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Each parcel has a unique terroir. Fine sand in Grand Pierre (next to Rayas) produces elegant and velvety Grenache from vines planted around 1900. From Grand Pierre one foudre of "Pure" is made per year. Fifty-year old Cinsault grows in Les Cerises with golden galets stones and produces a full-bodied and powerful wine. Grenache vines average forty years old in Pied-Long and Cabrières with a sandy, marl soil with some clay. There is another parcel of 100 year-old vines in Terres Blanches with a sandy, clay soil mixed with stones. There are also two more parcels of centenary vines in Palestor and Cabrières. Overall, most of the vineyards are on a sandy soil and vines average 65 years-old. The wines are characterized by silkiness, exhibiting freshness and finesse.
