Alcohol: 15%
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Location: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France
Tasting Notes: This wine opens with complex aromas of jammy black fruits, cocoa, and warm spices, leading into a generous palate shaped by fine, tight tannins. Layers of prunes and cherry unfold alongside a decadent red‑fruit medley of stewed strawberries, rhubarb, and fresh cherries. The finish is long and stony, with beautifully integrated tannins that carry the wine’s richness and depth.
Notes: An ambitious vintage built for longevity, this wine shows the structure and depth to reward extended aging, yet remains thoroughly enjoyable in its youth. While it can be appreciated now, it has the concentration and balance to cellar gracefully through 2035 and beyond. Crafted from organic farming practices, it reflects both the integrity of the vineyard and the thoughtful stewardship behind its production.
Food pairing: This wine shines alongside richly flavored dishes, especially lamb, which is explicitly recommended for its ability to mirror the wine’s depth and warmth. Its structure also makes it a perfect companion for hearty stews and roasted game birds, while the wine’s herbal undertones harmonize beautifully with Provençal cuisine. For a simpler pairing, aged hard cheeses provide an excellent counterpoint to its generous fruit and refined tannins.
Winery Story: The estate’s roots trace back to Gratien Mayard, known locally as Père Pape, who founded the domaine in 1898. After the phylloxera crisis devastated vineyards across France, Gratien nearly emigrated to Argentina but ultimately stayed, choosing to replant his vineyards vine by vine. This act of devotion laid the foundation for the family’s enduring presence in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape.
Building the Estate Through Generations
In 1923, Gratien’s son Alphonse Mayard and his wife Marie‑Louise Deydier—herself from a local winegrowing family—expanded the estate and became early pioneers of bottling their own wines.
Over the decades, the family accumulated parcels across the appellation, including century‑old Grenache vines in La Crau, one of the region’s most prized terroirs.
Modern Era: The Roumieux Siblings
Today, the estate—now known as Clos du Calvaire—is led by Françoise Roumieux and her siblings Béatrice and Didier, representing the fifth generation of the family. Their approach blends tradition with modern sensibilities:
Organic farming and regenerative practices
Emphasis on freshness and finesse in a region known for power
Stewardship of diverse terroirs and grape varieties
Françoise also leads a side project, F/R Françoise Roumieux, and is active in Femmes Vignes Rhône, supporting women in Rhône winemaking.
Identity Shift: From Vignobles Mayard to Clos du Calvaire
The estate was historically known as Vignobles Mayard, but now bottles under Clos du Calvaire, reflecting both continuity and evolution in the family’s identity.
Why Their Heritage Matters
The Mayard/Roumieux lineage embodies:
Resilience in the face of crisis
Deep multigenerational knowledge of Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape terroir
A commitment to organic, thoughtful viticulture
A stylistic signature rooted in old‑vine Grenache and finesse over sheer power
Their wines—like Père Pape—carry this history in every bottle.
