The vineyards of the domain
Today, Domaine Guigal comprises of 75 hectares of exceptional vines situated exclusively in the northern Rhône. From Côte-Rôtie to Condrieu, Hermitage to Saint-Joseph passing through Crozes-Hermitage, each plot tells part of the family story, shaped by the seasons and the rigorous work of man.
The desire to produce parcel wines and bring to light the richness and diversity at the heart of the same appellation comes from a respect and understanding of these complex terroirs. For this reason, Domaine Guigal has made unique wines from illustrious plots such as the famous growths of Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, La Turque, La Reynarde and La Landonne as well as Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis. Condrieu la Doriane, Ermitage Ex-Voto white and red and Saint-Joseph Lieu-dit white and red as well as Vignes de l’Hospice have also become important references in their appellations.
Sustainable viticulture, respect for Mother Earth
The vine is a precious commodity and the grape has been, without a doubt, the most coveted fruit for centuries. Domaine Guigal cultivates enormous respect for the vineyard and is deeply committed to the preservation of these noble plots. The wine growers follow the ripening of the grape through each season, from bud burst through to harvest in September. They take care of each vine so that it can confront the winter with serenity and nourish itself with sun and rain in the spring to go on to produce exceptional grapes. Each precise and delicate gesture is inherited from the many generations which have worked in this excellent terroir.
Preservation of the vineyard and respect for Mother Earth lie at the heard of Domaine Guigal’s endeavours. Careful attention is paid at all times, from the shaping and maintenance of the terraces, to pruning and caring for the vines. This is viticulture which listens to nature in the image of the men who practice it and the wines produced from it.
Côte-Rôtie
Planted on slopes by the Romans twenty four centuries ago, this renown vineyard is made up of the Côte Brune, upstream of the Reynard and the Côte Blonde downstream. Planted almost exclusively with Syrah, the Côte Brune produces a powerful, intense wine. Thanks to some plantings of Viognier which enhances the Syrah, the Côte Blonde is more subtle. There is a charming legend attached to this appellation and the Château d’Ampuis: ‘the lord of this place had two daughters, one with hair as dark as the night and the other blonde like wheat. When they got married, he endowed each with one of his best slopes. This is how we inherited the Côte Brune and the Côte Blonde’.
Condrieu
With its steep terraces which plunge towards the Rhône, this vineyard is planted solely with Viognier. A rare grape varietal imported by the Greeks at the beginning of our era. When combined with granite soils its complex character is at its most expressive, giving forth a unique white wine with a yellow golden hue and intense and subtle notes of delicate apricot and white peach.
Saint-Joseph
Enjoyed at the table of kings in the 16th century, our Saint Joseph is named after the Jesuit monks of Tournon. The reds are made from Syrah and the whites from Marsanne and Rousanne. The combination of these grape varieties and a south/southeast facing steep vineyard with granite soils produces delicate, luscious wines.
Hermitage
A prestigious appellation since ancient times, it is named after a 13th century hermit who sought redemption by devoting himself to prayer and the cultivation of vines. Enjoyed by the Russian Court and the great and the good of Europe, this rich and powerful wine with intense, persistent aromas is produced from Syrah for the reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for the whites.
Crozes-Hermitage
A typical wine of the northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage has its home on warm, pebbly soils with good drainage. This is a vast appellation partially planted on slopes. The reds are produced from Syrah and the whites from Marsanne and Rousanne. The red wine is deep ruby in colour, well-balanced and full of savoury flavour. The white wines are dry and aromatic with floral notes.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
These soils are composed of calcareous round pebbles swept by the Mistral winds and burnt by the Provencal sunshine, resulting in wines with unmistakable flavours of the south. Produced from a complex blend of the 13 grape varieties of the appellation, these southern wines are dominated by Grenache. They are complex with soft and powerful tannins and are characterised by a unique and generous personality.
