Château de Manissy is an organic estate in the Rhône Valley region of France. Wines are made under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, the Côtes du Rhône AOC, the Lirac AOC, and the Tavel AOC.

Background: The property dates from the 17th century. The Lafarge family, who had a quarry business in Tavel, bequeathed the estate to the “Missionary Fathers of the Holy Family” at the beginning of the 20th century. They planted the first vineyards here in 1910. The wine they produced was intended for parishes in the local area, as well as for their community. The motto of the estate has always been “Auspice Clara Manissy Stella”. In 2003 the Missionary Fathers of the Holy Family leased (a 20-year fermage) the then 35 hectares (86 acres) vineyards to a young wine grower called Florian André (6th generation, from Tavel) via his mother Marilyne Leperchois. The estate’s buildings are still used by the monks as accommodation.

Vineyards: 2016 78 hectares (193 acres) of vines in total, of which around 40 hectares (99 acres) were in Tavel, on the right bank of the Rhône, on sandy clay with pink galets; around 15 hectares (37 acres) were Côtes du Rhône; another 13 hectares (86 acres) were Lirac; 1 hectare (2.47 acres) was Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and 8 hectares (20 acres) were IGP.

Certification: 2011 First vintage with full organic certification. | 2016 First vintage with full Demeter Biodynamic certification.

Winemaking: Harvesting by both hand and machine.

White wines

Côtes du Rhône Blanc AOC: 2015 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% each Clairette Blanche and Roussanne. Cement vats. Easy, clean, soft at Millésime Bio Jan 2016.

Rosé wines

Côtes du Rhône Rosé AOC: 40% each Grenache Noir and Carignan, 10% each Cinsault & Syrah.

Tavel AOC: 2013 Grenache Noir, Clairette, Cinsault, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Carignan. Vines average 40 years. Simple fruit, clean, soft (Millésime Bio Jan 2014).

Tavel AOC, Tête de Cuvée: Mainly hand (as opposed to machine) picked. Grenache, Clairette, Cinsault, Bourboulenc and Carignan.

Red wines

Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC | 2013 40% each Grenache Noir and Carignan, 10% each Cinsault & Syrah. Soft at Millésime Bio Jan 2014. | 2015 Fermented in cement tanks. 60% Grenache Noir and, 25% Carignan, 15% Counoise. Soft, plump, easy (Millésime Bio Jan 2016).

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge AOC: See here for more on this AOC. 

Lirac AOC: 60% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah and 15% Cinsault.

Lirac AOC, Avant Goût de Paradis: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah.

Contact

Château de Manissy

Route de Roquemaure

30126 Tavel (Gard), France

Tel+33 (0)4.66.82.86.94 | Website: www.chateau-de-manissy.com