Le Paradou Grenache

Le Paradou is a project created by Alexandre and Frédéric Chaudière whose family produce some of the most respected wines in the Ventoux at Château Pesquié. It is reasonable to think “Paradou” means “Paradise” in the old language of the “langue d’oc”, as it is magical to live in the south of France. Yet, “Paradou” actually refers to the old watermills that once dotted the landscape. It is in homage to these majestic giants, built on the banks of streams since Roman times, that we have created these fresh and pleasing wines. The vines, ranging in age from 40 to 60 years old, and are cultivated in accordance with the laws of Terra Vitis, an organization that ensures that properties respect the environment by stressing the benefits of integrated farming.

The Paradou vineyards are all slightly elevated on rather poor soils in order to obtain the freshest and most drinkable wines possible. The aspect of the vineyards is sheltered and none face fully south. The Viognier vineyard is situated North-East of Montpellier, between Nîmes and Uzès, at the foot of the Massif des Cévennes, on fairly poor chalky limestone soils at an average altitude of 150 to 200m which gives a slight mineral taste to the wine. Most of the Grenache comes from estate vineyards in the Ventoux with a small addition of fruit from the Agly valley of the Roussillon