Marcoux

"When Domaine Marcoux gets everything right, it produces as spectacular, full-bodied, dry red wine as money can buy." — Robert Parker

Domaine de Marcoux is one of Chateauneuf du Pape's leading producers and hosts one of the region's most extensive legacies. The Armenier family opened the domaine in 1989, though the family's roots can be traced back to the 13th century. Best known for its Grenache-dominant blends from the Rhone's stony soils, Marcoux wines are consistently praised as one of fine wine's most rare and valuable cuvées on the market. 

Domaine de Marcoux History

Domaine de Marcoux was founded in 1989; however, the Armenier family has roots dating back to 1344 in Chateauneuf du Pape, when the region was known as Castrum Novum (translated to 'fortified village' in English). At this time, the Armenier family went under the name 'Armani,' cultivating the stony soils for hundreds of years before formally making wine. In fact, Emile Armenier began protecting vines in 1905 on the domaine's modern-day vineyards.

It was not until the end of the 20th century that Domaine de Marcoux was founded, with sisters Catherine and Sophie Armenier quickly becoming proprietors after their brother, and original owner, Philippe, moved to Napa Valley. Consequently, the Armenier sisters began crafting one of Bordeaux's first organically-farmed wines and quickly received acclaim from renowned critics like Robert Parker. 

Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape Terroir

Domaine de Marcoux is home to 18 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape, with 7 plots of land planted to Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc. The domaine's largest plot, Les Esqueiron, is a 3.77-hectare plot planted on a hillside of limestone, while the most notable plot is Charbonnière, a 2.3-hectare plot of sandstone planted in 1900.

Marcoux's other plots include:

• Beaurenard, also known as Pradel, is a 2.5-hectare plot of limestone and very stony soils, planted with Grenache.
• L’Arnesque, a 1.6-hectare plot of Grenache purchased in 2006, comprises quart pebble topsoils on the western part of the Montredon Plateau.
• Les Plagnes, a 2.53-hectare plot that is noted for one of the region's most distinctive soil profiles, is planted to Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.
• Les Gallimardes, a 2.82-hectare plot on extremely stony soil with quartz pebbles and clays on the Rhone's lower terrace.
• Les Serres, a 2.56-hectare plot of stony, clay-rich soil, which tightens after rainfall. The plot is planted to Clairette Blanche, Mourvedre, and Grenache. 

The vines average 50 years of age, with some reaching a century, thus making Domaine de Marcoux home to some of Chateauneuf du Pape's oldest vines. After being picked and sorted, the fruit spends three weeks in concrete vats and is then aged for 16-18 months before bottling. 

Marcoux Wine Portfolio

Domaine de Marcoux produces seven total wines, with the flagship Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape and Marcoux Vieilles Vignes being the domaine's two most notable wines. 

Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape

Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape is Domaine de Marcoux's flagship label, crafted with fruit from each of the domaine's plots and comprising 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinault. The wine is distinct for its full-bodied richness and blockbuster finish, becoming known as one of Chateauneuf du Pape's greatest bottles. 

Marcoux Vieilles Vignes

Marcoux Vieilles Vignes is a special cuvée crafted from 50-90 year-old vines on the specially selected plots, Les Esueirons and Charbonnieres. The wine typically comprises 98-100% Grenache, and less than 500 cases are made each year, generating high demand from collectors. When combined with consistent critical acclaim, the Marcoux Vieilles Vignes is extremely limited in availability and rarely seen on the open market. 

Top vintages like the 2016 have become the domaine's only 100-point score from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, with the publication labelling it, "pure perfection in a glass." At less than $350, it represents one of Bordeaux's finest values for serious collectors. 

Add Marcoux To Your Cellar

Domaine de Marcoux has quietly built a Rhone powerhouse from the quaint, Chateauneuf du Pape site, masterfully crafting Grenache-dominant blends that have captured the palates of critics and collectors across the globe. With bottles retailing for less than $350, the Marcoux is an incredible value for serious drinkers looking to add prestige to their cellar. Browse our selection of in-stock Marcoux wines and add a bottle to your cellar today.