Laurent Charvin has only 10 ha of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Until recently, Laurent was almost the only grower to still vinify traditionally, with whole-cluster fermentations. Now others are beginning to copy him. In addition to leaving the stems, Laurent’s élevage is uniquely in concrete tank, no barrel. Laurent is regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, famous owner of the restaurant Beaugraviere in Mondragon, as well as other top sommeliers and wine writers in France, with a two-star rating by Revue du Vin de France.

Located in the northwest part of the appellation, with vines chiefly in Cabrieres, Maucoil, and Mont Redon, Laurent Charvin makes one of the most elegant and seamless Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Opting to produce a single cuvée, the winemaking here is staunchly traditional, with no destemming and fermentation and aging occurring all in concrete tanks for 21 months, bottled unfiltered. This is a wine that can age 20 years from any vintage as well as be accessible quite young with just a little breathing.