Domaine Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine
Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone wine producer profile with wine tasting notes, wine ratings, a history of the property, information on wine making and terroir, along with wine tasting reviews and images. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles
Domaine de Cristia came into being about 1942 thanks to the founder, Etienne Grangeon. At the time, the Chateauneuf du Pape estate of Domaine Cristia owned about two hectares of Grenache vines in the region. In the early days, like most producers in the appellation, their wines were sold in bulk to negociants. Etienne Grangeon was able to enlarge their vineyard holdings thanks to the efforts of his son Alain. Alain slowly began bottling some of their production. In the beginning, it was only about ten percent. The amount of wine was not really enough to be sold on a commercial basis. In those early days, the wines of Domaine Cristia went to family and friends. It was Alain who decided to plant other varietals in the vineyards like Mourvedre and Syrah.
Things changed in 1999, when the next generation became involved with the family business at Domaine Cristia. Baptiste, Dominique Florent have also joined the estate. The wines have never been better. Some of the recent changes have been to practice biodynamic farming techniques. In 2008, they were certified Agriculture Biologique by Ecocert.
Domaine Cristia now has thirteen hectares of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape. The parcels are in different locations and terroirs in the appellation. They have vines planted in sand, limestone, loam and even a minor portion has the highly valued, stony soils. They have old vines. They own Grenache vines that range from 50 years of age to over 100 years. Their Mourvedre and Syrah plantings are on average, 50 years old as well.
Domaine Cristia produces 2 white and 3 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines:
Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape from 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The average age of the vines is 50 years. 3,000 cases per year.
Cristia Cuvée Renaissance from 60%, 100 year old vine Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. 500 cases per year.
Cristia Cuvée Vieilles Vignes from 100% old vine, 70-80 year old Grenache. 250 cases.
Wine Tasting Notes
Displaying 4 vintages | 5477 Views Sorted by vintage
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2007 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance
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Already drinking great, deeply colored, packed with exuberant ripe cherries, jammy strawberries, plums, spice and fennel, the wine is silky, lush, concentrated and forward in style. There is no reason not to pop a cork on this delicious blend of old vine Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
93 points - Tasted Jun 5, 2012
1752 Views
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2007 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
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Produced from 100% old vine Grenache, this rich, fat, juicy, concentrated, sensuous wine shows off and wants to be noticed with its aromatic display of black raspberry, boysenberry jam, licorice, pepper, earth, spice and kirsch liqueur nose. If that didn't win you over, the voluptuous textures, purity of fruit and persistence in the finish should do the job.
95 points - Tasted May 18, 2013
165 Views
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2003 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance
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Concentrated and rich. The texture is sublime. More black fruit than red. Already open. A wine for pleasure seekers.
93 points - Tasted Jul 25, 2005
2145 Views
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2000 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance
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Aromas of plums, prunes, pepper, herbs, spearmint and green olives filled the glass. Huge, dense, opulent, chewy, multi layered wine. Very concentrated with dense black fruit that oozes from the glass onto your palate.
94 points - Tasted Aug 7, 2004
1415 Views
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