Domaine du Vieux Donjon

Domaine du Vieux Donjon is a revered wine estate nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, a historically-rich and ecologically diverse region of France celebrated for its viticultural excellence. The winery is situated in the prestigious appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an area synonymous with exquisite wines and a mosaic of terroirs that impart complexity and character to the vineyards.

The estate, with its evocative name, "Old Dungeon," hints at a timeless quality, a reverence for tradition, and a storied past. It stands as a bastion of classic winemaking, embodying generational know-how and a commitment to crafting wines that reflect the essence of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.

An emblematic family-run property, Domaine du Vieux Donjon is managed with meticulous care and a personal touch that can only come from a deep-rooted passion for winemaking. The estate has been in the hands of the Michel family for several decades, with the current proprietors, Claire Michel and her husband François, upholding the family legacy by employing both time-honored methods and modern techniques to produce their distinguished wines.

The vines at Domaine du Vieux Donjon thrive in diverse soils ranging from the iconic galets roulés—large, rounded stones that retain heat and release it during the cooler night—to sandy and clayey substrata, which contribute to the unique characteristics of their wines. The estate boasts old vineyards, with some vines being over a century old, which are deeply rooted into this varied terroir, extracting minerality and nuanced flavors.

The winery is known for its rigorous attention to detail, from careful grape selection and hand-harvesting to the use of traditional fermentation methods. The Michel family believes in minimal intervention, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shine through in every bottle.

Domaine du Vieux Donjon's flagship wine is their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, a robust blend dominated by Grenache, with smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. This powerful red wine is celebrated for its rich, layered complexity, featuring notes of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of earthiness, all framed by elegant tannins and a lingering finish that speaks to its aging potential.

Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is another jewel in their crown, a rarer expression of the appellation produced in limited quantities. It is a harmonious blend of traditional white Rhône varietals, showcasing vibrant aromatics, balanced acidity, and a creamy texture that gracefully complements its mineral backbone.

Visitors to Domaine du Vieux Donjon are welcomed into a world where every bottle tells a story of the land, the vintage, and the Michel family's dedication to their craft. The winery offers a glimpse into the soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from its historic vineyards to the barrel cellars where each vintage is carefully aged to perfection.

Enthusiasts who appreciate fine wines with a sense of place and a connection to the people who make them will find Domaine du Vieux Donjon an unforgettable stop on their vinous journey through the Rhône Valley—a place where luxury, heritage, and the art of winemaking converge.