Famille Perrin’s rich history in winemaking brought to the table its flagship brand, Château de Beaucastel.
The Château de Beaucastel, Famille Perrin’s premier estate, lies at the northern edge of the Châteauneuf appellation, an old riverbed of the majestic Rhône river in Provence. Calling it beautiful would be an understatement. It is surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vines, hundred-year-old olive trees, truffle oaks, and a vast field of galets—round white stones that are reminders of its close encounters with the Rhône during the Miocene period.
Just as its terroirs were carved by the torrential waters of Rhône and its ancient vines blown dry by the strong, north-western Mistral winds, Château de Beaucastel experienced a series of radical changes that defined its rich history. Its vineyards are witnesses to continuous stories of struggle and redemption, traditions and innovations, and the passion of its winemakers—influencing the complex and elegant flavours of its vintages.
Wines for the Popes
When the Western Great Schism broke out, the city of Avignon in Provence served not only as the home of the antipopes but also the main vineyards of the papal wines. It was during the term of John XXII, the second Avignon Pope, that the castle Châteauneuf-du-Pape was built. Literally meaning, “the Pope’s new castle,” this name was also used for the wines produced within the appellation. Although the estate must have already been used for viticulture since the 11th century, it was not until 1321 when four barrels were recorded to have been filled by Châteauneuf wines.
The reign of the Avignon popes did not last long as the Catholic Church’s structure went back to normal. However, the innovations in Provençal winemaking that were imparted to the people remained. In 1687, Pierre de Beaucastel bought a large parcel of land within the appellation and built the Château de Beaucastel.