Domaine Henri Bonneau

The legend of Châteauneuf: wines out of time, traditional and yet so contemporary by their freshness and purity Henri Bonneau's ancestors have been winegrowers in Châteauneuf du Pape for twelve generations. The Rebellins, who came from Italy, settled in Châteauneuf du Pape in 1667. A child of the Rhône, Henri was born in 1938 and fully vinified his first vintage at the family estate in 1961. The first of a very long series: he will sign fifty-four. Henri Bonneau is an enthusiast who pampers his vines, his success was first built across the Atlantic. At the end of the 80s, Robert Parker came to taste at the estate. He falls under the spell and befriends Henri. Paradox of history, the critic often criticized for his love of extracted wines, modern or woody, will recognize the elegance of the infused, delicate and suave wines of master Henri Bonneau. Wines that never see a single new barrel. At Henri Bonneau, it is the micro-oxygenation of old wood, for many years, that creates magic: the wines stretch, refine, to gain patina, silkiness. If the wines do not have the aromatic exuberance, they have a unique sensuality, an incomparable touch of the mouth. Grenache is a conviction for Henri Bonneau. The other grape varieties? "It's the salt and pepper in the soup." Its most emblematic plot of Grenache is located in the most mythical sector of Châteauneuf: the Crau plateau. A large piece of land in Châteauneuf du Pape, plateau of rolled pebbles and deep subsoil, water retentors, avoiding any water stress in times of drought. A terroir a mythical wine: the Réserve des Célestins. Henri Bonneau's wines are wines of mouth. The noses are often restrained, elegant but anything but demonstrative. It is on the palate that the magic operates: an incomparable, greasy, silky touch, a perfectly integrated alcohol and long and fine finishes. They are also an incredible longevity. Timeless wines. Text Excerpts from "Essential Winegrowers" Jeremy Cukierman Cultural Practices Henri Bonneau's recipe? Do not change anything to traditional methods. First of all, a lot of work in the vineyard, which respects without claiming. Henri is beyond organic and yet does not seek any certification. A perfect knowledge of its plots, get up early and produce a high quality raw material thanks to very old vines on the best areas of Châteauneuf, including the original place of La Crau. Vinification & Ageing The harvest is then delicately put in an old press and concrete fermentation tanks. No destemming, no temperature control system. The maturation cellar in the basement has never been modified. Long ages, five years, sometimes more, in old barrels. A simple, established route, which the grapes follow every year. An approach poles apart from modern oenology. No rule for blending between the 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