Domaine de la Vieille Julienne – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Pure Châteauneuf-du-Pape intensity shaped by biodynamic farming and century-old Grenache vines

History & Estate Philosophy

Founded in the early 20^th century, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne entered a decisive new chapter in 1990 with the arrival of Jean-Paul Daumen. A demanding, visionary vigneron, he progressively converted the estate to biodynamic viticulture, with a clear objective: to reveal the purest fruit and the most transparent expression of the northern Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroirs. His philosophy has since shaped one of the region’s most acclaimed and sought-after estates.

Terroir & Vineyard

The domaine farms around 10 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 5 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône, mostly located in the cooler northern sector of the appellation. Many vines — especially the Grenache parcels — are extremely old, some exceeding 100 years. The soils form a distinctive mosaic of sand, red clay and the region’s iconic galets roulés, providing both intensity and remarkable vertical tension.

The plantings are dominated by Grenache, complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and a selection of historic white varieties. This diversity allows the domaine to craft wines with depth, aromatic precision and a striking sense of terroir.

Biodynamic Viticulture & Winemaking

Viticulture is entirely manual and uncompromising: low yields, no herbicides, careful soil work, biodynamic preparations and harvesting at optimal ripeness. Each parcel is picked and handled separately, with rigorous sorting before fermentation.

In the cellar, the approach is deliberately minimalist and artisanal: whole-cluster fermentations, long macerations, indigenous yeasts, restrained extractions and extended ageing in foudres and demi-muids. The goal is to preserve fruit integrity, purity of texture and the mineral backbone of the northern terroirs — without heavy oak influence.

Signature Style

Wines from Domaine de la Vieille Julienne are defined by their natural concentration, pure, pristine fruit and a vertical mineral structure. They combine southern Rhône richness with tension, depth and precision. The palates are dense yet lifted, with fine, elongated tannins and long, savoury, mineral-driven finishes. These are powerful, energetic wines with exceptional ageing potential.

Key Cuvées

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieille Julienne – The domaine’s signature bottling: intense, structured and long-lived.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réservée – A strict selection of the oldest vines; monumental depth and concentration.
• Les Trois Sources – A high-end Côtes-du-Rhône, vibrant and expressive, often considered a “mini Châteauneuf”.
• Lieu-dit Clavin – A single-site Côtes-du-Rhône focused on finesse, energy and aromatic precision.

Technical Snapshot

• Vineyard area: approx. 10 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 5 ha in Côtes-du-Rhône.
• Grape varieties: Grenache-led blends with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and old white varieties.
• Viticulture: biodynamic, manual work, low yields, parcel-based approach.
• Winemaking: whole clusters, indigenous yeasts, long ageing in foudres and demi-muids.