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An experimental cuvée inspired by music, curiosity, and creative freedom
Most wineries build their reputation around consistency.
The same grape varieties, the same blends, the same style, vintage after vintage.
But sometimes, a winemaker needs a space to experiment.
That is exactly the idea behind the White Label series from Château de Jonquières. Inspired by the world of independent music, these wines are released like rare vinyl records: small productions, unexpected ideas, and complete creative freedom.
What is a “White Label”?
Long before music became digital, DJs searched for white label records.
These were vinyl pressings produced in very small quantities, often without artwork or commercial branding. They were distributed only to a handful of people before being discovered by a wider audience.
The idea was simple: experiment first, ask questions later.
Château de Jonquières borrowed exactly this philosophy for wine.
Rather than creating another permanent cuvée, the White Label series allows the estate to step outside its traditional range and explore new grape varieties, new ideas, and new expressions of its vineyards. Every edition is different, numbered, and produced in limited quantities.
A wine with complete creative freedom
Unlike the estate’s classic wines from Terrasses du Larzac, the White Label cuvées are released as Vin de France.
For many wine lovers, that may sound like a step down.
In reality, it is often the opposite.
Without the rules imposed by an appellation, the winemaking team is free to choose the grape, the blend, and the style that best expresses the idea behind each release.
Sometimes innovation begins by stepping outside the rulebook.
White Label No.12 – the return of Carignan
For White Label No.12, Château de Jonquières returns to one of the Mediterranean’s oldest grape varieties: Carignan.
Often underestimated in the past because of its association with high-yield vineyards, Carignan has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance over the last two decades.
When grown on old vines with low yields, it produces wines full of energy, dark fruit, freshness, and the unmistakable aromas of the Languedoc landscape.
This cuvée embraces exactly that character: authentic, vibrant, and unmistakably southern.
Organic, authentic, and unapologetically itself
Like the rest of the estate, White Label No.12 is produced from organically farmed vineyards.
The objective is not to make a polished or predictable wine, but one that reflects both the grape and the people behind it.
Dark berries, wild herbs, hints of garrigue, a touch of spice, lively freshness, and finely textured tannins all come together in a wine that feels honest rather than manufactured.
More than a wine — an idea
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the White Label project is that it is never finished.
Each numbered release becomes another chapter in an ongoing story. One year it may highlight Carignan, another Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, or Grenache.
The label stays the same.
The music changes.
Why we love it at The French Paradox
At The French Paradox, we are always drawn to wines that have something to say.
White Label No.12 is more than an excellent bottle of wine—it is proof that tradition and creativity can live side by side.
It celebrates one of the oldest grape varieties of the Languedoc while embracing an idea borrowed from another creative world altogether.
A wine inspired by music, rooted in the vineyards of the Terrasses du Larzac, and made for people who enjoy discovering something a little different.
Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that were never meant for everyone.
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