Château de Beaucastel is one of the most iconic wine estates in the Southern Rhône Valley, producing benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines known for balance, longevity, and terroir expression. The estate is especially famous for its flagship wine, Hommage à Jacques Perrin, widely regarded as one of the greatest Rhône wines ever made.
The origins of Beaucastel date back to the 16th century, but the estate’s modern reputation was shaped in the early 1900s when Pierre Tramier began replanting vineyards devastated by phylloxera.
The defining era began in 1909, when Jacques Perrin acquired the property. His pioneering decisions—organic farming, embracing all permitted grape varieties, and resisting fashion-driven winemaking—were radical at the time. Today, Beaucastel is run by the Famille Perrin, one of the most respected wine families in France.
Beaucastel’s vineyards sit on the northern edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, distinguished by:
Large galets roulés (rounded stones) that store heat
Clay and limestone subsoils that retain moisture
Strong mistral winds that naturally protect vines
Unlike many estates, Beaucastel farms all 13 authorised Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties, including Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, and even rare whites such as Picardan and Muscardin.
Long before sustainability became a marketing term, Beaucastel committed to organic farming. The estate has been certified organic since the 1970s, making it one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in France.
Key principles include:
No synthetic chemicals
Emphasis on soil health and biodiversity
Individual harvesting and vinification by grape variety
This meticulous approach preserves vineyard expression and contributes to Beaucastel’s remarkable consistency across vintages.
Beaucastel’s philosophy is built on patience, balance, and respect for tradition.
Separate Vinification
Each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately to preserve its character before blending.
Emphasis on Mourvèdre
Beaucastel is renowned for its unusually high proportion of Mourvèdre, which brings structure, spice, and exceptional ageing potential.
Long Ageing
Wines are aged primarily in large oak foudres rather than new barriques, avoiding excessive oak influence and allowing the fruit and terroir to shine.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Complex blend of all 13 varieties
Notes of dark fruit, herbs, spice, and earth
Powerful yet refined, with decades of ageing potential
2. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
One of the Rhône’s most age-worthy white wines
Rich texture balanced by freshness and minerality
3. Hommage à Jacques Perrin
Produced only in exceptional vintages
Mourvèdre-dominant blend
Considered a “collector’s wine” and Rhône icon
Beaucastel occupies a rare position in the fine-wine world:
Consistently high critical acclaim
Strong secondary-market demand
Exceptional ageing ability (20–40+ years)
Authentic, non-trend-driven style
Unlike many modern Rhône wines, Beaucastel prioritises balance over sheer power, making its wines timeless rather than fashionable.
Today, the Perrin family continues to steward Beaucastel with the same principles established over a century ago. The estate remains a reference point not only for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but for Rhône Valley winemaking as a whole.
Beaucastel’s influence also extends globally through collaborations and joint ventures, yet the heart of the family’s philosophy remains firmly rooted in its historic vineyards.
