Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chateauneuf's history is extremely dense. One of the most important periods was during the 15th Century when the popes resided in Avignon. The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the papal summer residence (Jean XXII, Urbin V and Innocent VI) and they succeeded in promoting its wines.

In the early 20th Century, winegrowers were regularly acknowledged for their wines by a special board of judges which was set up under the instigation of Baron "le Roy de Boiseaumarie."

Made from Grenache from 90 year old vines, Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac has an intense garnet color. It is herbacy on the nose, with hints of spices (liquorice), chocolate, and fruits (strawberry). It is ample on the mouth, fleshy, hot and round, and has an outstanding density with an impressive length. Depending on the vintage, this wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.