La Chasse des Prince, Chateauneuf du Pape
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
: This wine undergoes fermentation at 28–30°C with continuous pump-overs over an extended period of 4 to 5 weeks, followed by aging for 8 to 12 months in cement tanks. By avoiding the use of oak, the wine fully preserves the pure expression of Grenache and the character of its terroir.
The La Chasse des Princes series was launched in 2017 with the philosophy of creating gastronomic wines designed to accompany fine cuisine, and this cuvée is regarded as the most refined and elegant expression within the range. The wine was awarded 90 points by James Suckling.
Tasting Note
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Grenache 90%, Syrah 5%, Mourvèdre 5%
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The wine displays an intense ruby red color, offering elegant and complex aromas of redcurrant, red cherry, and blackberry layered with spicy herbal notes of lavender, thyme, and rosemary. On the palate, it reveals remarkable balance with refined, silky tannins, emphasizing finesse and elegance rather than sheer concentration. The finish is graceful and sophisticated, leaving a luxurious and polished impression.