Famille Perrin, Rhône Valley (France)

Chateau de Beaucastel has become the leading estate at Chateuneuf-du-Pape and is now in a class of its own" 
(John Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhone, Faber & Faber)

The Perrins of Château de Beaucastel, arguably the best estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, have been evolving their negociant wine business for many years and it is now producing wines as highly regarded as the grands vins themselves.

When the family first decided to expand their range beyond the family-owned estates (which also include the reliable and inexpensive Grand Prebois and Vieille Ferme ranges), quality was paramount. Over the years they have worked closely with extended family and friends who own land all over the valley, covering almost every appellartion, to ensure their stamp is on every wine, from vine to bottle. Gradually, they have bought vineyards, starting with some fabulous parcels in Vinsobres where they make what must be far and away the best wine in this northerly appellation, Les Hauts de Julien, and, more recently, in Gigondas where they make two special cuvées, L'Argnee, often pure Grenache and Domaine de Clos des Tourelles where the 17th century house was built on medieval foundations and is surrounded by 10 hectares of Grenache (80%), Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre.