Vieux Donjon (Michel Lucien)
Summary
Le Vieux Donjon is a third-generation family estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with 15 hectares of diverse vineyard parcels across prestigious sites like La Crau, producing primarily Grenache-based reds from vines up to 80 years old grown in the region's characteristic galets roulés. The Michel family maintains a traditional approach by crafting just one red cuvée each vintage, co-fermenting varieties in cement tanks and aging in neutral oak foudres rather than creating multiple specialized bottlings.
Heritage & Leadership
Le Vieux Donjon was established in the 1960s when Marcel Michel, a vineyard owner in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, began bottling his own wine rather than selling to négociants. His son Lucien Michel subsequently took over the domaine, consolidating various family vineyard parcels under the Le Vieux Donjon name. Today, the estate is managed by Lucien's daughter Claire Michel and her husband François, who assumed leadership in the 1990s, marking the domaine's third generation of family ownership. Unlike many estates in the region, Le Vieux Donjon has maintained a focused production approach throughout its history, producing a single red Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvée each vintage rather than creating a range of specialized bottlings. This continuity in both family ownership and winemaking philosophy has established Le Vieux Donjon as a steadfast producer within the appellation.
Vineyards & Wines
Le Vieux Donjon encompasses approximately 15 hectares of vineyards scattered across multiple parcels throughout the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. These holdings include plots in notable sectors such as La Crau, Mourre de Gaud, and Pialons, providing a diverse representation of the region's terroir. The vineyards feature the characteristic galets roulés (rounded stones) that define much of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, along with sandy soils in certain parcels. The estate's plantings consist primarily of Grenache (approximately 75%), supplemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Many of the vines are mature, with some Grenache parcels exceeding 80 years of age. In addition to their principal red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the domaine produces a small quantity of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Clairette, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc varieties, comprising roughly 5% of their total production.
Philosophy & Practice
Le Vieux Donjon adheres to traditional winemaking methods that emphasize minimal intervention. The estate harvests grapes by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation occurs in cement tanks, and the wines are aged primarily in large, neutral oak foudres rather than new barriques, preserving the pure expression of fruit and terroir. The domaine follows the practice of co-fermentation, vinifying the different grape varieties together rather than separately. This approach, along with their commitment to producing a single red cuvée that represents a complete expression of their holdings, distinguishes them from producers who create multiple specialized bottlings. In the vineyards, the Michel family employs sustainable farming practices, avoiding chemical herbicides and focusing on maintaining natural balance in the soils. Their winemaking philosophy centers on consistency and authenticity, allowing each vintage to reflect its growing conditions while maintaining the distinctive character that has defined Le Vieux Donjon through the decades.