Winemaker Notes
The esteemed Dupond Family's roots and knowledge of the wine industry run deeply in Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, dating back five generations to the 1860s. In 1880 Joanny Dupond established the La Renjardière vineyard, which is situated in the area north of Chateauneuf du Pape. The 309 acre vineyard was originally a forest of oak trees that was called La Renjarde. Joanny cleared the area by hand and personally planted the vines, renaming the vineyard La Renjardière. Fifth generation and current proprietor, Hervé Dupond, oversees the family business. Each year Hervé selects the best possible plots to ensure his wines have the utmost quality. A traditional method of winemaking is practiced to ensure wines produced are reflective of the land.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.