Our grape varieties
The combination of grape-variety and Mediterranean climate with our terroirs and the freshness and delicacy of altitude,
makes the singularity of our wines.
Respecting Rhône Valley traditions, confirmed by several centuries of vines’ culture, our vineyard is naturally planted in Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette grape varieties.
First grape-variety planted by my grand father on domain Romane and La Machotte, Grenache and Clairette constitute presently our oldest vines. Mourvèdre was also very early planted by our grand father on the Domaine Grand Romane in spite of the little interest it causes at that time. Syrah grapes, as for it, appear on our domain around La Machotte cellar in 1973 with the arrival of my uncle Claude, and around La Romane on sandstone plot called “Le pastifiage”, in more than 500 m in altitude.
Grenache
In the great terroirs of “local appellations (crus)”, it proved itself to be extraordinary; and it is the case on our clay limestone soils in altitude.
First grape-variety planted by my grand father on domain Romane and La Machotte, Grenache constitutes presently our oldest vines. It is the main grape variety of Southern RhôneValley, well adapted to our Mediterranean climate. In the great terroirs of “local appellations (crus)”, it proved itself to be extraordinary; and it is the case on our clay limestone soils in altitude. Over the years, I remain persuaded that a very big proportion of this grape variety is essential for structuring our cuvées promised to a long ageing. Its aromatic expression varies according to the age of the wine and the vintage. After notes of black fruits (cherry) appear aromas of crystallized red fruits (plumb) notes of garrigue (thyme, rosemary, sage) with always a spiced final (black pepper, clove).
Main grape variety of the appellation Gigondas, discover the expression of our old vines of Grenache in our cuvée Le Pas de l’Aigle.
Mouvèdre
In its northern limit in Gigondas, this Provençal grape variety was very early planted by my grandfather on the Domaine Grand Romane.
In its northern limit in Gigondas, this Provençal grape variety was very early planted by my grand father on the Domaine Grand Romane in spite of the little interest it causes at that time. How lucky we are! With patience and rigour, these Mourvèdre give us excellent powerful and silky tannins and magnificent aromas after ageing in barrels. In contrast, a plot of land in the Southwestern part of the appellation brings to our wines a sunny and wild note as well as the fineness of the sandy soils.
Taste it in our Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane.
Syrah
This grape variety, well-known for its aromatic richness and its coloring intensity appears on our domain around La Machotte cellar in 1973.
This grape variety is well-known for its aromatic richness and its coloring intensity. Its vines require careful trellising or removing of unwanted new shoots in order to resist to the mistral (Northern wind) and secure a good maturation of berries. Syrah grapes which success in the Southern Rhône Valley is increasing, appear on our domain around La Machotte cellar in 1973 with the arrival of my uncle Claude, and around La Romane on sandstone plot called “Le pastifiage”, in more than 500 m in altitude. These poor soils produce very expressive Syrah which brings in wines’ youth elegance and notes of fruits (black currant), flowers (violets) and liquorice.
Taste it in our cuvées Gigondas Romane Machotte ou Saint Joseph Les Capelets.
Cinsault
Traditionaly used for Gigondas rosé, it brings stylish fruity flavours, low acidity and supple tannins.
Often neglected grape variety because it produces abundant harvest in fertile soils, Cinsault is better served in our hillsides by bringing fruity, freshness and sharpness; it is mainly used in our wines rosé by bleeding.
Taste it in our Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé.
Clairette
Clairette is an old traditional grape variety of the Rhône Valley. The expression of our fifty-years-old vines on our terroirs in altitude is unusual and a pure rarity.
Clairette is an old traditional grape variety of the Rhône Valley, mainly implanted in cold terroirs where it is particularly well adapted (in Valley of Die, for example, in Drôme) but also in more Southern terroirs as Chateauneuf du Pape or even Méditerrannean shores. The expression of our fifty-years-old vines on our terroirs in altitude is all in unctuousness and elegancy with fine aromas of white flowers (accacia) and honey. With a lively and refreshing structure in mouth our white wines are the full expression of our terroirs and will enjoy you.
Taste it in our Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane.
Roussanne
Delicate grape variety with a great finesse that gives elegant and complex wines
Taste it in our Cairanne blanc Les Hautes Rives
Grenache blanc
White Grenache is defined by its aromatic generosity and roundness in the mouth.
Taste it in our Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre blanc
Viognier
Viognier combines pleasant vivacity and roundness.
An ancient grape first cultivated only in the northern Côtes-du-Rhône (from Vienne to Valence), Viognier is seductive by its rich aromas (white fruits, apricots) and floral notes. It combines pleasant vivacity and roundness.
Taste it in our Vin de pays de méditerrannée blanc
Bourboulenc
Resistant and vigorous grape variety with a late ripening
Resistant and vigorous grape variety, Bourboulenc is a very demanding in heat and with a late maturity. It is well established in the Southern Rhone Valley. It produces fresh white wines with floral aromas.
Taste it in our Châteauneuf-du-pape blanc
Muscat petits grains
Main grape variety of the appellation AOC Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
Taste it in our Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
