Domaine de Cristia

Domaine de Cristia

Created by Etienne Grangeon in 1942, the property originally comprised 2 hectares of Grenache. It was developed further by the driving force of his son Alain, who joined the domaine in 1963.

 

Passionate about viticulture, he notably contributed to the expansion of the domaine and planted improved grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre and created the identity of Cristia, based on the knowledge and respect of his soils.


Then, in 1999, Baptiste and Dominique joined their father. Their priorities were to concentrate on selecting the best parcels in order to produce a wine of a great quality, with a good ageing potential, to commercialise in France as well as for export.


Today three generations of vignerons share the passion and skills on the 21 hectares that make up Domaine de Cristia, which include the appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (11 hectares of red and 1 hectare of white), Côtes-du-Rhône Villages (1 hectare), Côtes-du-Rhône (4 hectares) and Vin de Pays (4 hectares).

 

The Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards are spread over 4 lieu-dits in the east all close to Rayas. The lieu-dits are Les Cristia north and south, Saint Georges and La Roquette. The soil varies greatly from sandy, clayish to calcareous and stony. Some of the Grenache vines are over 100 years of age. Syrah and Mourvedre average 50+ years. The domaine is organic certified ECOCERT since 2008.

 

What is most important about these vineyards is their location. Le Cristia north lies directly below Rayas (Chateau Rayas). La Roquette adjoins Pignan on two sides, Saints Georges abuts the most famous Chateauneuf lieu-dit Le Cras (Domaine de Vieux Telegraphe) and Le Cristia south is between Rayas and La Crau.

 

From these exceptional sites Domaine de Crista produce 3 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reds - a lovely Cuvee Tradition from vines 50-100 years old - Cuvee Renaissance from a 1.5 ha plot in Le Cristia where the Grenache is over 100 years old - and Vieilles Vignes from 100% Grenache 70-80 years old. The soil in Le Cristia north is the same as Rayas but Cristia's vines are considerably older. Here we see the raspberry, licquorice and mineral that that you also see in Chateau Rayas.

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