Domaine de Marcoux is run by the Armenier sisters, Catherine and Sophie. Their family roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape stretch back to the 13th-century but the domaine is a relatively new one, founded in 1989, though from vineyards that had been in the family for generations. Domaine de Marcoux pioneered organic and biodynamic farming in the region long before it was fashionable. They farm 18 hectares in CdP of some of the regions’ greatest vineyards. The vines are grenache, primarily, with an average vine age of 50 years, but there are also portions of mourvèdre, syrah, cinsault, roussanne, bourboulenc, clairette, and grenache blanc. The resulting wines have a pastoral quiet to them suffused with the gorgeous and rich aromas of summer fields.

The Domaine’s Cotes du Rhone comes from one hectare near the winery and another near Charvin. The blend is 60% grenache, 20% mourvèdre, and 20% syrah. This is a bright, sunny wine of light red cherries, crushed stone, and sous bois, with a cold stream running beside it.