Marc de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château Mont-Redon Abeille et Fabre

Mont-Redon is at the very heart of the Châteauneuf story and is considered to be one of the great names of the appellation. Established in 1344, it is a property with a very long history.

The 100-hectare estate, very large by the standards of its neighbours, is spread over the appellation’s main terroirs, the western limestone-rich slopes and the sandy and stony soils of the Mont-Redon plateau perched high up above the village from which it derives its name. This plateau is a marvellously well exposed expanse of white pudding stones or galets, so characteristic of Châteauneuf. The Château itself is like an old hunting lodge with little in its decor to suggest any leaning towards modernity. The wines at Mont-Redon are outstanding, never excessive, always balanced and surprisingly elegant. There are just two estate wines, one white, one red. Both are made in a modern fruity style that can be enjoyed young but can be kept when they age remarkably well. This is proper Châteauneuf, sensibly-priced.

Mont-Redon also own vines in undervalued Lirac, between Orange and Avignon, where it makes successful wines with real depth of flavour and a touch of Châteauneuf class.