Description
La Bête à Bon Dieu was born in the vineyards of the Plan de Dieu, a renowned wine-growing area of the Vaucluse between Cairanne, Travaillan and Violès. This stony terroir lies on Quaternary clay-limestone alluvium, strewn with rounded pebbles similar to those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These warm, well-drained soils encourage optimal ripening of the grapes, giving wines that are both powerful and elegant. The vines enjoy generous sunshine and the natural protection of the Mistral, which keeps the bunches healthy by limiting humidity.
Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 20% Syrah
Farming method: organic farming, ECOCERT certified
Geographical area & soil: stony clay‑limestone slopes at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux, south-facing
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: traditional fermentation of around 21 days, extended maceration (~6 weeks) to coat the tannins well, followed by a classic devatting allowing a muscular yet controlled extraction
Colour: clear and brilliant, ruby with violet tints
Nose: complex and expressive, combining spices, garrigue, blackcurrant, violet, sometimes leather
Palate: smooth, round attack; rich and concentrated, with lovely fatness. Well-integrated tannins, velvety structure. Intense aromas of red fruit (black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry), spices, garrigue and violet
Ageing potential & advice: Drink between: 2023–2028
Serving temperature: 15–17 °C to release the fruit without overemphasising the tannins
Decanting / aeration: best left to breathe for half an hour before serving
Food pairings: rich southern French dishes: ratatouille, tagine, stuffed vegetables, daube, red meats (rib of beef, lamb), escalopes…
Awards and ratings
Decanter World Wine Awards 2024: recommended (bronze for the 2021)
James Suckling: rated 90–91/100, highlighting its lively fruit and smooth tannins
Guide Hachette (2020 edition for 2018, 2019 for 2017): star/coup de cœur – e.g. 2017, ruby colour, supple tannins, blackcurrant/grey pepper
Revue du Vin de France: rated around 89/100, noting ample, velvety and always well-controlled substance
Annette –
Very good value for money. Good balance, round, a lovely discovery.
Enjoyed with a Provençal dish.
Meunier (verified owner) –
Very good wine, at a perfectly reasonable price; as soon as possible I will place another order. Enjoyed with chicken in a mushroom sauce.
Isabelle (verified owner) –
Excellent value for money for this very well-balanced wine with good length on the palate. I recommend it!!!