Château Boucarut, Rhône

Saskia and Maurice Goetschy traded their legal careers for a far more exhilarating pursuit—winemaking! In 2017, they embraced a new adventure, acquiring the historic vineyards surrounding Château Boucarut in Roquemaure. With deep family ties to the wine trade—Saskia from Andalusia and Maurice from Alsace—the couple saw an incredible opportunity to reconnect with nature and breathe new life into the estate. Though the château had been in Saskia’s family since the 1990s, it was this bold move that truly marked the beginning of their winemaking journey.

Nestled in the heart of the Lirac appellation, Château Boucarut has 15 hectares under vine, including prized parcels in AOC Lirac and Tavel. The rolling vineyards, dotted with hedgerows and groves, are a haven for biodiversity. The domaine is officially certified organic and Saskia and Maurice take a thoughtful, sustainable approach—working with nature, not against it. Cover cropping and minimal tractor use help preserve the delicate balance of the land, while old vines from the 1960s and 1970s add depth and character to their wines.

At Château Boucarut, winemaking is all about purity and authenticity. Fermentations rely on native yeasts, and sulphites are used sparingly, allowing the terroir to shine through in every bottle.

The estate has been gaining well-deserved recognition and its wines are quickly making their mark. In his assessment of the 2023 vintage for Decanter, Matt Walls named Château Boucarut one of the key Lirac & Tavel producers and one of the region’s under-the-radar producers, while highlighting Pierres Vivantes as one of the best-value Lirac wines.