Domaine Pégau takes its name from a type of 14th-century terracotta wine pitcher discovered during an archaeological dig around the Palais des Papes. The first deeds for the Féraud family’s property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape date back to 1733. However, it was only when the current generation’s great-grandparents extended the vineyard to 22 hectares that winemaking began in earnest. Elvira, who was married to Léon Féraud, was a winemaker and mother to 4 children. Her youngest child, Paul Féraud, began cultivating the family vineyard when he was 14 with the goal of producing locally on a small-scale. 1987 marked a turning point when Paul’s daughter returned home having studied viticulture and oenology and obtained a business school diploma in wines and spirits. She suggested to her parents that they create an independent domain together under the name Pégau. The family invested heavily in the venture, building a new winery for production and cellars to age the wine, but struggled to reap any financial rewards. In 1992 however, Domaine de Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape received some very positive reviews from various wine critics. At that point the domain started to export 90% of its wines and the family has since bought an additional 41 hectares of vineyards under the name Château Pégau.

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted using buckets, tractors and tubs. Crushing, maceration and alcoholic fermentation take place in a concrete tank over a 10-day period. Elevage lasts for two years in an old oak tun. The colour is a deep red, with purple highlights. The bouquet features aromas of ripe red berries (cherry, raspberry), which can develop towards leather or fur over time. The palate is rounded and generous, supported by elegant tannins.