Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Back in 1912, Eugene Maret bought Domaine de la Charbonnière as a gift for his new wife, the daughter of a winemaker. Their grandson, Michel, took over in 1973 – a true man of the soil – and in 2004 his two daughters Véronique and Caroline joined him. They are now in sole charge. They run the domaine entirely on biodynamic principles, and have gained a reputation for good value in this pricy appellation. In all, they have 17.5 hectares scattered throughout Châteauneuf, on a wide range of soils. This lends them a superb palate of flavours to blend from, and produces rich, well balanced wines, with freshness and complexity, too. None of the wines are filtered either, to ensure maximum flavour. A classic with roast lamb or casseroles.