Cairanne Peyre Blanche, Famille Perrin 2018

The exciting Rhône region of Cairanne and the experienced hand of the Perrin family combine to give a very wellrounded, ripe-tasting 2018 that has a lovely core of black fruits and spice.

The Perrin family is behind a bewildering number of enterprises. First there is Château de Beaucastel, the phenomenally successful Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate. La Vieille Ferme is a négociant division supplying significant volumes of well-priced wines from the Luberon and Ventoux. Grand Prébois is both a bottling hall in Courthezon and a brand of own-vineyard Côtes-du-Rhône and Vin de Pays. There is also an operation in California, providing Rhône vine stocks to Californian growers, and making wine under the Tablas Creek label. Then there is Perrin Père et Fils which groups together the other Perrin-owned vineyard and grape contracts. The Perrins are very important growers in Vinsobres, a recently promoted cru much loved by Society members, and also own vineyards in Gigondas, Vacqueras and Cairanne.

It sounds like quite an empire, but retaining the personal touch across all interests and generations is the secret of the success of this exceptional family. Their wines are easily some of the most consistent and quality-conscious in the Rhône valley, because they are made with the same standards, philosophy, and respect for the environment that have made their flagship, Beaucastel such an iconic name.