Le Vieux Donjon
Winemaker Profile | Rhone, France
Le Vieux Donjon was founded in 1979 by Lucien and Marie-José Michel, whose families already owned vineyards in the region. Through their marriage, they combined their family parcels, laying the foundation for the estate as it is today. Since 2008, their daughter Claire Fabre has been responsible for winemaking, continuing the family tradition.
The estate cultivates 15 hectares of vineyards, spread across the parcels of Pialon, Les Mourres de la Gaud, and La Marine. The vineyards are planted with traditional grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Le Vieux Donjon produces one red and one white wine annually under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, with the red wine particularly renowned for its depth and elegance.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The philosophy of the estate places great emphasis on traditional winemaking methods and respect for the terroir. The vineyards are organically farmed, and the grapes are harvested only at full ripeness to ensure the highest quality. Le Vieux Donjon deliberately avoids producing luxury cuvées or Côtes du Rhône wines, focusing exclusively on crafting a single, authentic Châteauneuf-du-Pape.