Among the more than 200 species of owls that exist, there is one that captures all the attention (and the respect of the rest): the Eurasian eagle-owl, also known as the Grand Duke. Large, solemn, imposing, in the southern Rhône, its presence commands attention not only in the sky but also on the labels of a winery steeped in history: Santa Duc.
The name originates from the Provençal Canta Duc, which means "the singing owl." Local tradition tells of this owl that used to roam the estate like a discreet guardian. Over time, that name evolved into Santa Duc, but the spirit of the Grand Duke remains, lingering among the vineyards.
Situated in Gigondas, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the estate has been cultivating vines since 1874. However, it was with Yves Gras and later his son Benjamin that the project took a more personal direction: biodynamic agriculture, respect for the environment, and an artisanal approach that seeks to bring out the best from each plot. Here, it is no longer just about making wine, but about understanding the land and disturbing it as little as possible.
One of the clearest examples is their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pied De Baud, a single-plot cuvée (Pied De Baud) that originates near the renowned Mont-Redon plateau. Comprising the varieties Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, it is crafted under organic and biodynamic practices, with manual harvesting and undergoing two rigorous selections. In the winery, it undergoes slow fermentation, and the aging process is divided between terracotta amphorae and large Austrian barrels from Stockinger, aiming to allow the fruit to express itself without interference.
The result is a southern wine, indeed, with body, fruit, and character, yet it never loses sight of the essential: elegance. Domaine Santa Duc Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pied De Baud is a wine with depth, form, and soul. Like the owl from which it takes its name: serene, precise, unforgettable.