After completing his viticultural and winemaking studies at Beaune, Julien Mus returned to his family domaine on the outskirts of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Until then the grapes from the domaine had been sold off to the local co-op. The domaine consists of four hectares of AOC Côtes du Rhône and six hectares of Vin de Pays designated vineyards around Courthezon, to which Julien has added a small plot of AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located between those of Font de Michelle and Vieux Télégraphe, near the south-eastern border of the appellation. 

Julien is still honing his winemaking style, but his wines all have very pure, expressive fruit and have already attracted attention and high scores from the “Wine Advocate.” His Côtes du Rhône is 100% Grenache and is evocative and powerful, with dried fruit and rich pruneaux notes and benefits from the wonderful balance of this vintage.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most celebrated wine appellation of the southern Rhône Valley, located between Avignon and Orange. The region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. One of the defining climatic features is the Mistral wind, which blows down the Rhône Valley and helps to keep the vines healthy by reducing humidity and the risk of fungal disease. Drought, however, is a common challenge, particularly in the height of summer.

The soils are famously varied, but the most distinctive are the large, rounded galets roulés (rolled pebbles) that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping grapes to ripen fully. Beneath the stones lie layers of sand, clay and limestone, each contributing to the structure and flavour of the wines.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unique in allowing thirteen different grape varieties. Grenache dominates plantings, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre for red wines, while white varieties such as Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc play an important role in the limited production of white Châteauneuf. The main growing areas include La Crau, Rayas and Mont-Redon, each with its own micro-terroir.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is typically rich, full-bodied and spicy, with aromas of red and black fruits, garrigue herbs and warm earth. The whites are full and aromatic, often showing notes of peach, pear, white flowers and subtle mineral tones.

Grenache, known as Garnacha in Spain, is one of the world’s most widely planted and versatile red grape varieties. Believed to have originated in Aragon, northeastern Spain, it spread across the Mediterranean and is now integral to many of the world’s great wine regions. It thrives in hot, dry climates and is particularly drought-resistant, with late-ripening characteristics that require long growing seasons.

Viticulturally, Grenache is vigorous and productive, often grown as bush vines to control yield and improve concentration. It prefers well-drained soils like schist, gravel, and sand, contributing to its rich texture and ripeness.

In Spain, Garnacha is prominent in regions such as Priorat, Rioja (often blended), and Aragón, producing wines with ripe red fruit, spice, and earthy notes. In France, Grenache is the backbone of Southern Rhône blends (e.g. Châteauneuf-du-Pape), offering warmth, red berry fruit, and herbal nuances. It is also widely planted in Australia (notably in McLaren Vale), the U.S. (especially California), and South Africa.

Grenache produces a range of styles—from fresh, fruity rosés to powerful reds and fortified wines. Typical flavours include strawberry, raspberry, white pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes leather and liquorice with age. Its soft tannins and plush texture make it both approachable and age-worthy.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia and parts of the New World, is one of the world’s most celebrated red grape varieties. Its origins trace back to the Rhône Valley in France, where it thrives in both the northern Rhône’s steep, granite slopes and the warmer southern regions. Syrah vines are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of soils, but they prefer well-drained sites with ample sunlight. The grape is naturally vigorous, with small, thick-skinned berries that produce deeply coloured wines rich in tannin and flavour.

Today, Syrah is planted widely across the globe. In France, it remains dominant in appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Crozes-Hermitage. In Australia, Shiraz is the country’s flagship variety, producing styles from bold, ripe Barossa bottlings to elegant, cool-climate Yarra Valley expressions. Significant plantings also exist in South Africa, the United States (notably California and Washington State), Chile, and Argentina.

The style of Syrah/Shiraz varies with climate and winemaking approach. Cool-climate examples offer notes of black pepper, violets, and fresh blackberry, with firm acidity and structure. Warmer regions produce richer, fuller wines with flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, chocolate, and spice. Across styles, Syrah is prized for its depth, versatility, and ability to age gracefully.