Brusquieres
Summary
Domaine des Brusquieres is a family-owned 8-hectare estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape producing traditional Southern Rhône blends from Grenache-dominant vineyards planted in the region's characteristic galets roulés over clay and limestone soils. Under Claude Courtois's leadership, the estate maintains time-honored practices including hand harvesting, concrete tank fermentation, and aging in large oak foudres, preserving the authentic regional character that makes their wines representative benchmarks of classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine des Brusquieres is a family-owned estate located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône region of France. The domaine has been under the stewardship of the Courtois family for multiple generations, with Claude Courtois currently at the helm of operations. The estate maintains traditional winemaking practices that have been passed down through the family, focusing on expressing the distinctive terroir of their Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine des Brusquieres encompasses approximately 8 hectares (19.8 acres) of vineyards situated within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vineyards feature the region's characteristic galets roulés—large, rounded stones that store heat during the day and release it to the vines at night, aiding ripening in the Mediterranean climate. The estate's plantings are dominated by Grenache, which forms the backbone of their wines, supplemented by traditional Southern Rhône varieties including Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The vines are planted in soils that combine clay and limestone with the aforementioned stone elements, contributing to the wines' structure and mineral character.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Domaine des Brusquieres emphasizes traditional methods that highlight the natural expression of their terroir. Harvesting is conducted by hand to ensure optimal grape selection. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, a practice that allows for temperature stability while permitting gentle oxygen exchange. The estate's red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines undergo aging in large oak foudres rather than small barriques, a technique that imparts subtle oak influence while preserving the fruit character and terroir expression. This commitment to traditional production methods results in wines that reflect both the distinctive character of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and the specific qualities of the Brusquieres terroir.