Story
Henri Bonneau
Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Rhône · France
Henri Bonneau stands as a venerable figure in the world of Châteauneuf du Pape, representing the 12th generation of his family to make wine in this esteemed region. He, along with his son Marcel, manages 6 hectares of vineyards. These are divided between 5.25 hectares located in La Crau—considered by many as the premier terroir of Châteauneuf—and 0.75 hectares on the rockier soils near Couthézon to the northeast of the appellation. The majority of his wine is made from Grenache, comprising 80-90% of the blend, supplemented by smaller amounts of Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Vaccarèse.
“Henri adopts a strategy of harvesting as late as possible, aiming for super ripe fruit.”
His production practices emphasise low yields, and both vinification and ageing are carried out in a traditional manner, using large wooden foudres and smaller oak barrels. Typically, his wines spend 3-4 years ageing in oak before they are bottled unfiltered.
