Sceau du Prince, Cotes du Rhone Blanc
History
: Cellier des Princes — A Century of History Growing Alongside Châteauneuf-du-Pape
In 1925, in the small Rhône Valley village of Courthézon, a group of winegrowers came together with a shared determination: to protect and preserve the value of their land. From this vision, the story of Cellier des Princes began. More than simply a winery, Cellier des Princes has grown into a cooperative of over 120 growers united in their commitment to safeguarding the terroir and creating lasting value together. The cooperative also participated in the establishment of the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, playing a central role in elevating the reputation of the region and shaping the wine industry of the southern Rhône Valley.
The name “Cellier des Princes” originates from the historical Princes of Orange. Among them, Willem I — known as “The Taciturn” — became famous for proving his convictions through actions rather than words. His portrait appears on the estate’s gold-embossed labels, symbolizing the philosophy and steadfast spirit shared by the cooperative’s growers.
During the 1960s, the second generation of growers foresaw the rise of leisure culture and wine tourism, leading to the creation of a tasting room near the RN7 national road. At the same time, the cooperative supplied grapes to renowned négociants in both the Rhône Valley and Burgundy, consistently contributing to the production of prestigious wines over several decades.
In the early 2000s, as Châteauneuf-du-Pape prices reached historic lows, Cellier des Princes faced a major turning point. Following a new leadership transition approved at the 2005 general assembly, the cooperative began bottling and marketing wines under its own label, reclaiming control over its identity and production. Within just ten years, bottled wine sales increased more than sixfold, and today 96% of total production is sold under the Cellier des Princes name.
In 2017, world-renowned Grenache specialist Philippe Cambie joined the cooperative, leading the development of dedicated cuvées and raising quality standards even further. Following his passing in 2021, Cellier des Princes continues to honor his legacy and philosophy through the Heredita cuvée.
About Wine
: Crafted by Cellier des Princes, the century-old cooperative of Châteauneuf-du-Pape growers, this Rhône wine reflects generations of accumulated expertise and craftsmanship. Fermentation is carried out at low temperatures between 14–16°C in order to preserve freshness and vibrancy, while malolactic fermentation is intentionally avoided to maintain pure fruit character and lively acidity. The wine is then aged for 2–3 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled early, toward the end of winter, to preserve the wine’s aromatic freshness and mineral expression.
Tasting Note
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Grenache Blanc 45%, Clairette 27%, Roussanne 15%, Viognier 7%, Marsanne 3%, Bourboulenc 3%
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The wine displays a clear and brilliant golden-yellow color with subtle green reflections. Delicate and elegant aromas unfold with fresh citrus notes intertwined with floral hints reminiscent of acacia blossom. On the palate, the wine shows excellent freshness and balance, combining apricot-like fruit flavors, lively acidity, and generous juiciness, leading to a smooth, clean, and refined finish.