Domaine Mayard Côtes du Rhône: a French red to drink in one go

The Côtes du Rhône 2024 from Domaine Mayard tells the story of a French red wine to drink in one go, crafted by a new generation of winemakers in the Rhône Valley. The wine is born in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where Arthur and Hugo represent the sixth generation of the family. The project combines historical roots and farming practices focused on soil vitality.

Domaine Mayard is a family estate based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Current management is entrusted to Arthur and Hugo, who define their role as “paysans vignerons“, or “farmer winemakers“, with a hands-on approach to the land. The work in the vineyard is oriented toward enhancing the terroir through farming practices that place soil and plants at the center.

The estate spans 18 hectares in total, of which 5 are dedicated to the Côtes du Rhône appellation, distributed across the communes of Courthézon, Sorgues, and Sobran. A limited area that allows direct control of the parcels.

The wine is made from grapes sourced from old vines, with a typical regional blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Marselan. A composition that reflects the classic identity of the southern Rhône.

The harvest is done manually, with selection of grapes at full maturity. Vinification is declared without added sulfites, following an essential production approach and absolute respect for the raw material brought to the cellar.

Domaine Mayard adopts techniques such as planting cover crops, gentle pruning, vitiforestry, and vitipastoralism. These are practices linked to a farming model defined as “agriculture du vivant“, oriented toward biodiversity and natural soil fertility. In the cellar, the wine is aged in ovoid concrete tanks until the spring following the harvest. A technical choice aimed at preserving the integrity of the fruit without invasive interventions.

On the back label, a phrase exemplifying the work of the Mayard family: “Arthur & Hugo paysans vignerons, architectes du paysage, vivent de la valorisation de leurs terroirs par la culture de la vigne et du vin“. That is: “Arthur and Hugo, farmer winemakers, landscape architects, live from enhancing their terroirs through the cultivation of vines and wine”.

The Côtes du Rhône Domaine Mayard presents with an alcohol content of 14%. The absolute identity of the product fits within the context of southern Rhône reds, characterized by varietal blends and growing attention to sustainable farming practices.

From the nose, dominated by crisp red fruits, this French red hints at its strong point: exceptional drinkability, thanks to a freshness that dominates the palate from start to finish. A characteristic that invites looking at the entire Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape area with “fresh eyes”, which—together with the extraordinary rosés of Tavel—will be the focus of an in-depth feature by Winemag in the coming months.