Overview
Domaine de Beaurenard has been a family-run estate for eight generations. Today, brothers Daniel & Frédéric Coulon and Daniel’s sons Victor and Antonin are dedicated to produce the most essential expressions of this historic region, long sought-after by discerning collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. Domaine de Beaurenard has been producing certified biodynamic wines on more than 80 acres of this celebrated terroir since 2010. Domaine de Beaurenard is also established in the up and coming Rasteau Appellation with 60 acres and in Côtes du Rhône with 25 acres both also certified biodynamic.
In addition to the timeless Domaine de Beaurenard facilities, the Coulon family is developing a range of certified biodynamic wines made from grapes sourced in friends’ vineyards in the Rhône region. “We have seen great potential to develop and expand our activities, and portfolio while keeping our philosophy and values intact,” says Victor. This promising project called BiotifulFOX is led by the new generation and is expanding the Coulons expertise to exciting new wines.
History
In the 14th century, during their stays in Avignon, the popes – and especially Pope John XXII – built a papal castle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Impressed by the area’s exceptional soils, they established vineyards on the slopes surrounding the château and were instrumental in promoting the local wine’s reputation around the world.
Domaine de Beaurenard has been a family-run estate for eight generations.
Terroir
The pebbles, the 13 grape varieties, the sun and the Mistral have been joining forces for centuries to give birth to each vintage of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unique: here the large sun-warmed stones diffuse a gentle, providential heat that helps the grapes to mature and their juice to concentrate.
The vines are 45 years old on average, and their yield in Châteauneuf varies from 15-35hl/ha. The Rasteau vines are planted in clay-chalk soil with a blue-clay subsoil, on fully south-facing slopes and terraces. Yields are low : 25-38 hl/ha.
Sustainability
All of Domaine de Beaurenard’s vines (60ha) are cultivated organically (Ecocert certified) and biodynamically (Demeter certified). The vines are thus attuned to nature, lunar and planetary cycles, and the rhythms of the cosmos.
At key moments, they apply biodynamic preparations (born dung, dung compost, silica, etc.) that strengthen the vines’s natural defenses. To further fortify them, plant-tea sprays (nettle, yarrow, horsetail, camomile) are regularly dispensed. In the vineyards, these methods involve working the soil without herbicides, spreading carefully-dynamised manure, and maintaining sensible grass cover (according to climatic conditions).
The creation of a conservatory with the 13 grape varieties allowed by the appellation, procured from the estate’s oldest vines, also promotes biodiversity. The varieties were selected over a five-year period and splice-grafted in a plot where the soil had been resting for 12 years. In doing this, the domaine aimed primarily to safeguard a natural genetic heritage that is particularly well adapted to the terroir.
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Domaine de Beaurenard
Côtes du Rhône
Domaine de Beaurenard
Rasteau
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