Domaine Henri Bonneau

The legend of Châteauneuf: wines out of time, traditional yet so contemporary in their freshness and purity. Henri Bonneau's ancestors have been winemakers in Châteauneuf du Pape for twelve generations. The Rebellin family, originally from Italy, settled in Châteauneuf du Pape in 1667. Born in 1938, Henri, a child of the Rhône, vinified his first vintage entirely at the family estate in 1961, the first of a very long series as he would go on to produce fifty-four. Henri Bonneau is a passionate man who cares for his vines. His success was first built across the Atlantic. In the late 1980s, Robert Parker visited the estate for a tasting. He was charmed and developed a friendship with Henri. Ironically, the critic often criticized for his love of extracted, modern, or oaky wines, recognized the elegance of Henri Bonneau's infused, delicate, and suave wines. Wines that never see a new barrel. At Henri Bonneau's, it is the micro-oxygenation of old wood, over many years, that creates magic: the wines stretch out, refine, gaining a patina and a silky texture. While the wines may not have exuberant aromatics, they possess a unique sensuality, an incomparable mouthfeel. Grenache is a conviction for Henri Bonneau. As for other grape varieties? "They are the salt and pepper in the soup." His most emblematic Grenache plot is located in the most legendary sector of Châteauneuf: the plateau of la Crau. A great land in Châteauneuf du Pape, with rolled pebble plateaus and a deep subsoil that retains water, avoiding any water stress during dry periods. A terroir for a mythical wine: the Réserve des Célestins. Henri Bonneau's wines are wines for the palate. The aromas are often restrained, elegant but far from demonstrative. It is on the palate that the magic happens: an incomparable tactile sensation, rich, silky, with perfectly integrated alcohol and long, fine finishes. They also have incredible longevity. Timeless wines. Text excerpt from "Vignerons Essentiels" by Jeremy Cukierman Farming Practices Henri Bonneau's recipe? Not changing anything about traditional methods. First, a lot of work in the vineyard, respecting without claiming. Henri goes beyond organic but does not seek any certification. A perfect knowledge of his plots, getting up early and producing high-quality raw materials thanks to very old vines in the best sectors of Châteauneuf, including the original location of la Crau. Vinification & Aging The harvest is then gently put into an old press and concrete fermentation tanks. No destemming, no temperature control system. The underground maturation cellar has never been modified. Long aging, five years, sometimes more, in old barrels. A simple, established path that the grapes follow each year. An approach at odds with modern oenology. No rules for blending between different grape varieties (strong Grenache dominance), the decision is made every year during the tasting in the cellar. Main wines Les Rouliers (Vin de France) Châteauneuf du Pape Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins