Domaine de La Biscarelle
Domaine de la Biscarelle is a must for lovers of authentic, deep and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines. Located in Orange, in the heart of the Grès district, halfway between the Cité des Princes and the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate cultivates vines with passion and exacting standards on exceptional terroirs.
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Domaine de la Biscarelle – Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The Authenticity of a Great Rhône Red Wine
A Discreet Gem in the Heart of the Rhône Valley
Domaine de la Biscarelle is a must for lovers of authentic, deep and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines. Located in Orange, in the heart of the Grès district, halfway between the Cité des Princes and the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate cultivates vines with passion and exacting standards on exceptional terroirs. Between family tradition and modernity, Domaine de la Biscarelle embodies a sincere vision of the winegrowing profession, where respect for the soil and the fruit guides every stage of production.
A Family Story Driven by Passion
Founded in 1984 by Gérard Bouyer, a winemaker from a long lineage, the estate truly took off in 2009 when his son-in-law Jérôme Grieco and daughter Christelle took over the family property. Both came from backgrounds far removed from wine—he a former construction worker, she a former chartered accountant—but they embraced the challenge of preserving and growing the family’s viticultural heritage with unwavering commitment. Today, their meticulous work and deep connection to the land have made Domaine de la Biscarelle a respected name within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
A Vineyard Between Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The vineyard of Domaine de la Biscarelle covers 22 hectares, spread across two flagship appellations of the Rhône Valley: 17 hectares in Côtes du Rhône Villages, with old vines—some over 80 years old—and 5 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with vines ideally located in the northern part of the appellation. Some century-old parcels are planted on slopes exposed to the Mistral wind, resting on emblematic soils of rounded pebbles, red clay, sand, or gravel. This exceptional geological diversity gives the estate’s red wines great complexity and a true sense of identity.
Sustainable and Respectful Viticulture
The philosophy of Domaine de la Biscarelle is based on a simple yet demanding principle: there can be no quality red wine without healthy grapes from living, respected soils. This is why the estate practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing the use of phytosanitary treatments and focusing on mechanical and manual soil work. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, with grapes picked in small crates, carefully sorted, and vinified without destemming or crushing. The goal is to preserve the purity of the fruit and the true expression of the terroir.
Artisanal Winemaking Without Artifice
Vinification at Domaine de la Biscarelle takes place in concrete tanks, without added yeasts or unnecessary interventions. Aging also occurs in concrete, sometimes for extended periods (up to 26 months for certain cuvées), in order to preserve the wine’s authenticity and vitality. This deliberate choice to avoid oak results in Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines with great clarity, a delicate mouthfeel, lovely freshness, and impressive aging potential.
A Mosaic of Grape Varieties Typical of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The grape varieties used at Domaine de la Biscarelle are those traditionally grown in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache noir, the majority grape variety, forms the backbone of all the estate’s cuvées. It is accompanied by syrah and mourvèdre, as well as rarer varieties such as cinsault, counoise and terret noir. This diversity enables us to refine our blends and enrich the aromatic palette of our wines.
Deep, Elegant, and Characterful Cuvées
Domaine de la Biscarelle produces several red Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvées, including the classic “Biscarelle” and the single-vineyard cuvée “Les Anglaises,” made from very old Grenache vines planted in 1935 on sandy soils. The latter stands out for its remarkable finesse, aromatic precision, and impressive aging potential. Each vintage reveals the honest expression of a unique terroir, in a style that is both airy and digestible, yet profoundly complex.
Red Wines with a Balanced and Alluring Style
The red wines of Domaine de la Biscarelle captivate with their balance and elegance. The nose often opens with intense aromas of red and black fruits, licorice, flowers, sweet spices, or underbrush. On the palate, the texture is silky, the tannins are smooth, and the finish is long, carried by vibrant tension. These are wines that can be enjoyed young after decanting, but they gain significantly in complexity with a few years of aging.
Well-Deserved Recognition in the Wine World
The estate continues to gain recognition among both wine lovers and professionals. In 2013, La Revue du Vin de France awarded Domaine de la Biscarelle the title of “Discovery of the Year,” praising the rising quality of its red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Today, Jérôme and Christelle carry on their journey with the same passion, selling a large part of their production directly to wine merchants, private customers, and international markets.
A Visit to the Estate: Discovering Passion Up Close
To visit Domaine de la Biscarelle is to discover a place where vines are cultivated with humanity, in a warm, family atmosphere. It’s also an opportunity to taste Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines that are sincere, deep and always marked by the winemaker’s hand. With its rich terroir, technical mastery and sensitivity, Domaine de la Biscarelle deserves a place among Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s up-and-coming estates.