In the world of wine blind tasting, every wine is a unique challenge. For the 2025 RVF China Blind Tasting Championship, a special "judge" joins the competition—​​Bonpas​​, a historic winery from France’s Rhône Valley. Built under papal decree, this 700-year-old estate brings its time-honored winemaking wisdom to deliver an authentic taste of the Rhône to Chinese competitors.

​​A Perfect Blend of Terroir and Heritage​​

Blind tasting competitions uphold one core principle: only wines that truly reflect their region’s character can elevate the competition. Bonpas embodies this philosophy perfectly. Since its founding in 1318, the estate has remained dedicated to expressing the purest expression of the southern Rhône’s terroir, with its Grenache-based blends setting the benchmark for the region.

​​A 700-Year Legacy Built by Pope

In 1318, Pope John XXII (Jean XXII) commissioned the construction of Bonpas, located near the Durance River crossing in Avignon. The name "Bonpas" originates from "Bon passage"—meaning "safe passage."

​​Terroir Shaped by the Rhône River​​

Bonpas carefully selects plots along the Rhône and its tributaries to find the finest terroir:

• Unique soils scattered with rounded stones
• Microclimates along the riverbanks that shape distinctive flavors
• Old-vine Grenache delivering natural balance
• Each bottle’s engraved label tells the story of the region’s history

​​A Classic from the Rhône Valley​​

Bonpas Réserve de Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge​​

This red wine encapsulates seven centuries of winemaking expertise, perfectly expressing the southern Rhône’s terroir:

​​[Winemaking]​​

• Blended from 30+ year-old vines: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
• Traditional cement vat fermentation to preserve primary fruit aromas
• 12 months aging in French oak barrels (20% new)
• 14.5% ABV, annual production: 12,000 bottles

​​[Tasting Notes]​​

• ​​Color:​​ Deep ruby with purple hues
• ​​Aroma:​​ Ripe black cherry and blackberry, layered with Provençal herbs, black pepper, and graphite
• ​​Palate:​​ Full-bodied with concentrated fruit, silky tannins, and a long finish of licorice and smokiness
• ​​Serving Suggestion:​​ 16–18°C, pairs well with grilled lamb or game meats

​​[Awards]​​

• ​​2024 Paris Agricultural Show Gold Medal​​

​​ Bonpas Réserve de Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc​​

This white wine showcases the elegance of the southern Rhône’s whites:

​​[Winemaking]​​

• Blend: 50% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc
• Cool fermentation to retain fresh fruit aromas
• 6 months sur lie aging in neutral oak barrels
• 13% ABV, annual production: 8,000 bottles

​​[Tasting Notes]​​

• ​​Color:​​ Bright pale gold with green reflections
• ​​Aroma:​​ White peach, lemon verbena, and honeysuckle, with subtle flinty minerality
• ​​Palate:​​ Crisp acidity balanced by round texture, mid-palate reveals pear and almond notes, with a clean, lingering finish
• ​​Serving Suggestion:​​ 10–12°C, pairs beautifully with Mediterranean seafood or goat cheese

​​[Awards]​​

• ​​IWSC 2024 Bronze Medal​​

​​The Winemaker’s Art of Balance​​

Winemaker Jean-Luc Durand masters the art of equilibrium:
"Every day, we refine the delicate balance that defines our wines." From vineyard selection to cellar aging, every step is meticulously crafted to achieve harmony—this is the soul of Bonpas.

​​Seven Centuries of Craftsmanship, Elevating China’s Blind Tasting​​

With its deep heritage and exceptional expression of Rhône terroir, Bonpas​​ stands as a key partner of the 2025 RVF China Blind Tasting Championship. Whether it’s the iconic Grenache blend or the carefully balanced traditional varieties, the estate offers Chinese competitors an authentic taste of the Rhône.

With world-class wines like those from Bonpas, we look forward to Chinese contestants deepening their understanding of terroir and achieving new heights on the international stage in the 2025 season.