Vieille Julienne, Domaine de la
Summary
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is a 10-hectare family estate in northern Châteauneuf-du-Pape operated by third-generation vintner Jean-Paul Daumen, producing Grenache-dominant wines from high-elevation vineyards with distinctive galets roulés, sand, and clay-limestone soils. The domaine practices certified biodynamic viticulture with extremely low yields, employs traditional winemaking with native yeasts and neutral oak aging, and bottles without fining or filtration to preserve the pure expression of their old-vine fruit and unique terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne was established in 1905 when the Daumen family acquired vineyards in the northern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate remained relatively unknown until 1990, when Jean-Paul Daumen assumed control and initiated significant changes that would transform the domaine's reputation. Jean-Paul represents the third generation of his family to manage these vineyards, following his father and grandfather before him. Under his direction, the estate shifted from primarily selling grapes to négociants to producing and bottling estate wines. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the domaine's history, as Jean-Paul's commitment to quality and terroir expression became the driving force behind all viticultural and winemaking decisions. The domaine's headquarters are housed in a traditional Provençal farmhouse that dates back to the estate's founding, situated in the Le Clavin lieu-dit near Orange.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne encompasses 10 hectares of vineyards, with 5 hectares situated in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 5 hectares in the Côtes du Rhône appellation. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape parcels are located in the northernmost part of the appellation in the lieu-dit of Le Clavin, characterized by its higher elevation (120-150 meters) and cooler microclimate compared to the southern sectors. The vineyards feature the classic galets roulés (rounded stones) that define much of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but also contain significant proportions of sand and clay-limestone soils. The domaine's plantings are predominantly old-vine Grenache (80%), supplemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Cinsault, with many vines exceeding 80 years of age. The estate produces three main Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvées: the traditional red, the Reserve, and the limited Les Hauts-Lieux, each reflecting different vineyard parcels and vine ages. The Côtes du Rhône vineyards, contiguous with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape holdings but just outside the appellation boundary, produce wines labeled as "Clavin" that share similar characteristics to their more prestigious neighbors.
Philosophy & Practice
Jean-Paul Daumen converted the entire estate to certified biodynamic farming in 2001, receiving Demeter certification in 2006. The viticultural approach emphasizes minimal intervention, with all vineyard work performed manually and treatments limited to organic preparations applied according to the biodynamic calendar. Yields are kept exceptionally low, averaging 25 hectoliters per hectare, through severe winter pruning and green harvesting when necessary. In the cellar, traditional methods prevail: grapes are harvested by hand, sorted meticulously, and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks without temperature control. Macerations are extended, often lasting 3-4 weeks, to extract deep color and structure. The wines age primarily in large, neutral oak foudres (2,500-5,000 liters) for 12-18 months, with no new oak used to preserve the purity of fruit and expression of terroir. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration. This methodical approach to both viticulture and vinification reflects Jean-Paul's commitment to producing wines that authentically express the distinctive terroir of the northern Châteauneuf-du-Pape region.