Domaine de la Graveirette is run by Julien Mus, whose family has farmed in Bédarrides near Châteauneuf-du-Pape for generations. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Julien founded the domaine in 2005, having previously delivered his family’s fruit to the local co-operative. The estate now covers about 20 hectares, including roughly 4 hectares of Côtes du Rhône vineyards on sandy-clay soils with pebbles. He farms organically and biodynamically, working with hand harvesting, native yeasts, minimal sulphur and minimal intervention in concrete vats. The domaine grows mostly Grenache for its Côtes du Rhône, while its other holdings include Syrah, Mourvèdre, and white varieties in other cuvées.

The Rhône Valley, stretching from Lyon to the Mediterranean, is one of France’s most diverse and historic wine regions. Divided into the Northern and Southern Rhône, it offers a wide range of climates, soils, and wine styles.

The Northern Rhône has a continental climate with steep, terraced vineyards on granite and schist soils. This area is renowned for Syrah, the only permitted red grape, producing deeply coloured, age-worthy wines with flavours of blackberry, black pepper, olives, and smoke. Notable appellations include Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas. Whites here, made from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, are rich, floral, and full-bodied. The best example is Condrieu.

The Southern Rhône enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and a variety of soils, including limestone, sand, and the famous galets roulés (rounded stones). Blends dominate here, with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre forming the backbone of reds that are generous, spicy, and fruit-forward. Côtes du Rhône is the largest AOC, known for easy-drinking, fruity styles. Flagship appellations include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras, producing rich and powerful wines.

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.