2020 Domaine Font de Courtedune, Chateauneuf du Pape

Caroline Charrier's grandparents bought their farm in Courthézon in 1943, right within the eastern boundary of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. They chose sandy vineyards not for any grand winemaking philosophy, but simply because they were close to the farm. Sometimes the best decisions are the most practical ones. Courtedune is the antique name for the village of Courthézon, with the “dune” part referring to sand. The area is known for this rare soil type that gives Grenache its most exquisite expression. As Caroline explained to Decanter’s Matt Walls, “Grenache and sand are two things that go together very well, because Grenache is a very fine variety, and sand gives it even greater finesse.” This is a domaine that has grown organically over decades, letting terroir and practicality guide their choices rather than modern fads. Their 99% Grenache blend comes from ancient bush vines, whole-bunch fermented and aged in concrete tanks—no oak, no artifice, just pure expression of thes