The new winery at Beaucastel: the creation of a modern miracle

My first visit to the famous Château de Beaucastel, several decades ago was a bit of a disappointment. Coming off the Autoroute de Soleil at a rather dull exit, the Perrin family’s winery lay just a kilometre or so away from the highway. It was clear that the route had cut a cruel swathe through the pebble strewn vineyards of Beaucastel and that the historic home of the Perrin family looked rather diminished. All this has been dramatically changed as Château de Beaucastel has undergone a dramatic restoration which brings the site resolutely into the 21st century with a design and a philosophy that is astounding in its vision. It must be said that the Perrin family have always been pioneers, having embraced biodynamic farming as far back as 1974.

As you drive up to the building which incorporates the 17th century chateau and cellar, you don’t really notice many changes. But as you enter the gravel courtyard in front of the main entrance, your eye gradually takes in the changes: the beds of wildflowers; the square windows built into the walled garden which draw the landscape into the confined space; the sound of water trickling through the canals as the mighty mistral which blows one day out of three, whistles through the courtyards. The colours are muted, calm, beige, cream, russet and golden. The texture of the walls is smooth and velvety to the touch. Everything is zen like, harmonious and when you learn that the project has used the estate’s own earth and adobe building techniques, the peace that one feels, connects you almost magnetically to the spirit of the place.

I was in the process of writing my book “Great Wine Families” in 2018 when the international architecture competition to find the right design was launched. The courtyard was filled with designers and artists, architects and builders with the Perrin family buzzing diplomatically between each group. The tension and the excitement were palpable. It was clear that a great building was being planned. The choice fell on internationally celebrated Indian architect, Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai working with Louis-Antoine Grégo of Studio Méditérranée, who was well experienced in organic and sustainable works. The project blends impressive sustainable architecture with locally sourced materials, and extraordinary artisanal practices.  It is so forward thinking in its scope that it should serve as the blueprint for other winery designs for years to come. 

Elegant and timeless

The new winery features rain-cooled cellars, olive-planted cloisters, and natural ventilation, cutting energy use by up to 80%, a great achievement of sustainability. Each space flows into the next. They are understated, elegant and timeless. There is a deep connection to the land: the large flat pebbles, called galettes, the silex and sand glacial deposits and the compact clays all were put into service for the construction and serve to reinforce the site’s unique identity. About 70% of the old buildings made of concrete and metal were demolished, although the more ancient bricks, tiles and rock were carefully recovered and sorted to be reused. An enormous cistern, impressive and mystical, stores collected rainwater, providing 95 % of the domain’s needs. The site’s new concrete made of successive layers of earth were hammered together to create the foundations. The use of this pisé, red and orange coloured over the centuries by iron oxide, demands considerable artisan work – it must be done slowly, solidly, to be able to withstand the challenges of climate change and the environment. The cold Mistral air is used as a natural air conditioner, weaving through the moucharabieh (Arabian latticed windows) to keep the buildings cool and ventilated. The exteriors have a peaceful, ancient aspect thanks to their coating of lime wash. The interiors wear similar coats, remaining understated to keep the focus on the wine.

Visit Beaucastel and walk through its cellars and courtyards. It is a testament to wine in situ with time. Thanks to the creative architecture, Beaucastel is a model of durability, respect for the environment and a return to a nature that has always existed and has been revived in the service of a great vineyard and wine.

The 2023 vintage: harmony and elegance

The Perrin family are very enthusiastic about the quality of their 2023 vintage and shared the following information concerning the growing season and the harvest conditions: 2023 will be remembered as a beautifully balanced year, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. A mild winter gave way to a dry spring, followed by a warm summer, particularly in August and September. Despite slightly lower rainfall than average, the vines thrived in these ideal conditions, achieving optimal ripeness. The first grapes were picked on August 22nd under a radiant sun, marking the start of a serene and harmonious harvest.

Harvesting in such warmth required swift, meticulous work to protect the purity of the fruit. Each plot was picked at the perfect moment, with the harvest concluding on October 4 and  the wines finished being run off the skins on October 23rd. From the very first tastings, the 2023 wines revealed great balance. Rich and powerful, with impressive concentration, they also retain a remarkable freshness, the hallmark of a truly great vintage. With such harmony between structure and vivacity, 2023 stands out as a year of immense promise, destined to age gracefully and deliver exceptional pleasure over time.

The 2024 vintage: rising to the challenge

On the contrary 2024 was a year that demanded constant attention and meticulous care in the vineyard. The season brought its share of climatic challenges, requiring our teams to remain vigilant at every stage. Thanks to this hard work, the vines delivered fruit of excellent quality. The harvest began early, on August 2nd, and continued in perfect conditions until October 3rd. Each parcel was picked at optimum maturity, ensuring grapes that were both expressive and beautifully balanced.

The work in the vineyards was demanding, but every effort was rewarded in the cellar. Each berry told the story of a growing season marked by patience and precision. Grapes arrived healthy and bursting with character, allowing us to preserve their integrity and highlight the purest expression of each terroir. This rigorous approach sets the stage for wines of high quality, with a profile that already shows depth and finesse.

From the first tastings, the 2024 wines reveal a superb equilibrium: vibrant fruit, refined tension, and an elegant structure. Their phenolic maturity is optimal, supported by a refreshing acidity that enhances their aromatic purity. Freshness, finesse, and richness combine to shape a vintage destined for great aging potential a year that will stand out for its aromatic complexity and timeless elegance.

Fiona Morrison M.W.