How a Mumbai architect rebuilt a vineyard in France's Rhône Valley

Architect Bijoy Jain explains how he renovated Château de Beaucastel to reflect the terroir of the famed vineyard

- Ruma Singh

On a visit to the Château de Beaucastel in France years ago, the first thing that struck me was how well-integrated it was with its surroundings, how minimalistic. It is deliberately so.

As Charles Perrin, fifth generation co-owner, Château de Beaucastel, explains, "Beaucastel's identity is rooted in two things: respect for the land and quiet, patient innovation."

The reimagined Château de Beaucastel, which was inaugurated in May after an extensive renovation by Mumbai-based architect Bijoy Jain, is still rooted in that philosophy of sustainability.

Château de Beaucastel is the flagship winery of the Perrin family, located in Courthézon in southern Rhône in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The "new palace of the pope", as the name translates, was France's first wine appellation (which is like a tag or label to identify the region a wine originates from) given at a time when the papal seat moved from Rome to southern France from 1309-77. Famous for their discerning palates and extensive cellars, the popes sought quality and found that the rugged terroir of the region produced extraordinary, powerful wines.

Besides their own extensive wine estates that include Beaucastel (since 1909) and La Vieille Ferme, the Perrins have partnered with Brad Pitt to produce super-brands Château Miraval, Champagne Fleur de Miraval and Gardener gin. But Beaucastel remains closest to their hearts.