Created by Etienne Grangeon 70 years ago, the property originally comprised 2 hectares of Grenache. It was developed further by the driving force of his son Alain, who joined the domaine in 1963. Passionate about viticulture, he notably contributed to the expansion of the domaine and planted improved grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre and created the identity of Cristia, based on the knowledge and respect of its soils. Then, in 1999, Baptiste and Dominique joined their father. Their priorities were to concentrate on selecting the best parcels in order to produce a wine of a great quality, with a good ageing potential, to commercialise in France as well as for export.

The Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region is undeniably the most recognisable appellation in the Rhone Valley of France. Situated between Avignon and Orange, the historic medieval village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is clustered at the foot of a ruined castle that was once a 14th century Papal residence. The name literally translates as ‘The Pope’s New Crib’, and its history is littered with several former Popes – including Pope John XXII who ordered the construction of the castle and bestowed the wine with the prestigious title ‘Vin du Pape’. Chateauneuf-du-Pape and its neighbouring small villages arguably produce the Cote du Rhone’s finest red wines, which are apparently used as a blueprint for others to aspire to.