JULIE KARSTEN
Castillon-du-Gard, Rhône Valley
Julie Karsten farms 10 hectares of organic Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre in Castillon-du-Gard, near where the Rhône approaches the sea, to the west of Avignon. She inherited the estate in 2008 from her in-laws. Having received no formal winemaking or viticultural training, she learned on the job and through the guidance of her father-in-law. These humble wines are made using natural processes: only indigenous yeasts, ageing in large vats, with only minimal sulphur additions during aging and before bottling. The result is a classic Côtes-du-Rhone made with respect for the vines and the surrounding natural environment.
Julie sums up her philosophy simply: “No synthetic pesticides or herbicides; here it's the love of nature that prevails, healthy agriculture for happy vines, living soils for living wines." We wholeheartedly agree, Julie!
Domaine Overview
Name: Julie Karsten
First year at Domaine: 1998
Year Founded: 1993
Winemaking Style: Low intervention/natural
Location: Castillon-du-Gard, Rhône Valley
Total Holdings: 10.5 ha
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
Average Vine Age: 20-50 years
Farming Practices: Organic (ecocert since 1998)
Number of Workers: none except family members
Bottles produced/year: 30,000-45,000
Other Info: The estate was originally known as Domaine Goisbault, named after Julie’s in-law’s family. She joined the family project in 1998, having no experience in wine, viticulture, or anything related (she has a degree in psychology). Julie learned on the job, through her own research, and through constantly staying humble and asking winemaker friends for help when she found herself stuck or unsure.
