Chene Bleu, Astralabe 2018

A vibrant organic blend of 75% Grenache + 25% Syrah, named after the real-life lovechild of famed medieval lovers Abélard & Héloïse. Younger in age and spirit than its complex, collectible “parents”, it aims to deliver fresh fruit but also nice spice, concentration and length. 

Appearance: Deep, intense garnet with hints of mahogany.

Nose: Rich and complex with notes of ripe dark fruits, spice and mocha.

Palate: Smooth and fruity with velvety tannins.

Finish: Long and aromatic.

Aging potential: 8-10 years. Soil : Clay-limestone. Certified Organic.

In 1993, Xavier Rolet, a Frenchman in his thirties who has lived in the US and London, wants to return to his roots, his family and his love of the land. He looks for a small vineyard around Châteauneuf-du-Pape and finds instead a large pre-Medieval estate in a terrible condition, with 30 ha of run-down but magnificent old vines and a 9 th century priory with no water or electricity, in the heart of a large forest.

It takes over 12 years to introduce organic and biodynamic practices, restore the biodiversity around the vineyard and help it reveal its GrandCru potential. The first commercial release is 2010.

135 hectare estate within the UNESCO-designated Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve, reflected in its micro-climate and biodiversity of flora and fauna. One of the highest wineries in France, at 500-550m, in the Vaucluse, above Gigondas and near Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Rolling hills on a plateau at the top of the Northern face of the St Amand in the spectacular limestone outcropping known as the Dentelles de Montmirail. Southern Rhône climate and more Northern Rhône-type coolness due to altitude and soils. 

Appellation: A critically-acclaimed, super-premium Vin de Pays from the Southern Rhône. We’re on top of 4 appellations, so our best wines are produced as IGP for freedom of expression, leading international press to refer to Chêne Bleu as the first “Super Rhône”, for ability to punch above its weight and the expectations of the IGP appellation.

Production: Tiny production of “couture” wines of under 60 000 bottles, usually about 2300 cases per year across 5/6 wines: small batches of “collectible” wines like award-winning, flagship reds, Abélard & Héloïse, their easy-drinking companion ‘Astralabe’, a refreshing but complex Rose, our premium Roussanne blend, ‘Aliot’, and a graceful 100% Viognier.