Château Fortia – Historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape Estate with a Modern Sustainable Vision

In the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château Fortia stands as both a guardian of tradition and a champion of forward-thinking viticulture. With roots reaching back to the 18th century, the estate has played a pivotal role in defining the appellation itself, most notably through Baron Pierre Le Roy’s work in creating France’s first Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. Today, winemaker Sandra Rochel and general manager Anna Olejnik carry that legacy forward, producing expressive wines from the region’s classic terroirs while ensuring sustainable vineyard practices for generations to come.

History & Legacy

Château Fortia’s origins date to the 18th century, when Hercule Paul de Fortia established a farm and vineyards. His son, Paul Antoine de Fortia, expanded both the vineyards and the estate buildings, laying the foundation for the property’s enduring reputation.

In 1890, Bernard Le Saint purchased the estate, expanded the vineyards, and constructed the current Louis XIII-style château, giving the property its present name.

In 1919, the estate entered its most influential chapter when Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié inherited it through marriage. Le Roy became a leading figure in French wine, co-founding the INAO and spearheading the AOC system that began with Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Vineyards & Terroir

The estate covers approximately 30–36 hectares, with 27.5 ha planted to red varieties and 2.5 ha to whites. Its soils vary widely, ranging from sandy and clay-limestone plots to the famous galets roulés (rounded river stones) that retain heat and encourage optimal grape ripening.

Primary grape varieties:

• Reds: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
  
• Whites: Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc
  

This diversity of soils and plantings allows Château Fortia to produce a range of wines that reflect the complexity of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.

The Wines

Château Fortia produces several cuvées, each with distinct blending philosophies:

• Tradition: ~80 % Grenache, ~20 % Syrah; aged in old foudres for about 16 months. 
  • Decent wine 89 PTS
    
• Cuvée du Baron: ~50 % Grenache, ~45 % Syrah, ~5 % Mourvèdre; first released in 2001 (~4,000 cases/year). 
  • Our favorite by far. 93 Pts
    
• Réserve: Syrah-dominant (~85 %), with Mourvèdre; limited to ~350 cases/year.
  •  Didn’t get a chance to try this one.
    
• White Châteauneuf-du-Pape: ~60 % Clairette, ~30 % Roussanne, ~10 % Grenache Blanc.
  • 92 Points.  Well-crafted wine.
    

Winemaker

Sandra Rochel is the Co-Director and Winemaker at Château Fortia in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a role she has held since 2016. Her career reflects a steady rise from technical and quality-focused roles to leading one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic estates. Rochel first joined Château Fortia in 2010 as an apprentice agronomist, working on vineyard heterogeneity studies and parcel selection, before returning in later vintages as Assistant Cellar Master and Maître de Chai. She gained international harvest and winemaking experience in New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland, developing a deep understanding of both red and white vinification in varied climates and cellar environments.

Her background also includes early work in quality assurance, implementing ISO and HACCP standards for wineries and food production facilities, giving her a meticulous, data-driven approach to winemaking. Today, Rochel oversees all vineyard and cellar operations at Château Fortia, championing sustainable viticulture through Terra Vitis and High Environmental Value (HVE) certifications. Drawing on her global perspective and technical expertise, she crafts terroir-driven Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines that honor the estate’s centuries-old legacy while meeting modern quality and environmental standards.

Visiting Château Fortia

• Tasting Room: Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–6:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays; annual closure late December–early January.
  
• Tasting Fee: ~€8 for 30 minutes.
  
• Cellar Tours: By appointment, ~1 hour with tasting (€16); not available during harvest (September–October).
  
• Vineyard Walks: Self-guided thematic trails with explanatory panels.
  

Conclusion

Château Fortia’s story is inseparable from the history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the French AOC system. Today, the estate thrives under the leadership of Sandra Rochel and Anna Olejnik, combining historic vineyards, sustainable viticulture, and a focused range of cuvées that express the nuances of their terroir. For visitors, it offers not just wines of distinction, but an intimate connection to the heritage of one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.