Presentation
The Domaine Chirat, located on the steep slopes of the northern Rhône Valley, is a family exploitation specializing in the Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie appellations. For several generations, the Chirat family has cultivated its vines on terraces, on granite soils that give the wines remarkable finesse and minerality. Cultivation is conducted in sustainable viticulture, with limited interventions and particular attention to biodiversity. The harvest is exclusively manual, allowing rigorous selection of clusters at perfect maturity. The Condrieu whites are a true expression of Viognier: rich, aromatic, and of great elegance, they develop enchanting notes of apricot, peach, and white flowers. The Côte-Rôtie reds, made from Syrah and sometimes co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, reveal complex aromas of black fruits, spices, and violet, supported by a beautiful tannic structure and a persistent finish. An essential domain for lovers of great Rhône wines.
Location
Production commune: 42410 Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône.
Terroir
100% biotite granite soils.
In the vineyard
Sustainable viticulture is practiced, with careful soil work, leaf thinning, crop thinning, and controlled grass cover to preserve vine balance. Yields are naturally limited thanks to high-density planting on the slopes (up to 9,000 vines/ha), producing small, concentrated clusters. Harvesting is carried out by hand to ensure optimal grape selection.
Harvest
The estate is located in the Northern Rhône Valley, 50 km south of Lyon, in the commune of Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône. All vines are planted on the right bank of the Rhône, facing South to South-East, on a geological formation dominated by granite.
They extend across three departments: Rhône, Loire, and Ardèche. Sustainable viticulture is guided by observation of the vine’s cycle — “the right gesture at the right time.” Essential vineyard practices are implemented: soil tilling, leaf thinning, crop thinning, controlled grass cover, green manure, organic treatments, foliar fertilization, etc.
Vines on the slopes (AOP wines) are planted at about 9,000 vines per hectare, ensuring low vigor and concentrated fruit. On the upper slopes (IGP wines), planting density is 5,500 vines per hectare, with controlled grass cover to regulate vigor and limit erosion.
Our vines are from massal selection of old vineyards, grafted in Savoie by the RIONDY nursery. Viognier is grafted onto Rupestris du Lot, an old rootstock particularly well suited to climate change, while reds are grafted onto 3309 Couderc.
Winemaking
Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts. 100% destemmed harvest. 15-day maceration with an immersed cap. Malolactic fermentation carried out naturally in vats.
Ageing
9 months: 50% in stainless steel, 50% in 400 L barrels. No new oak.
Varietals
Syrah : 90%
Viognier : 10%
Specifications
Production volume : 35 000
Serving
Serve at 13–15°C.
Ageing potential
2 to 3 years
Tasting
Ruby red with purple reflections. The nose is expressive, opening with aromas of macerated red fruits and spices. The palate is silky and refined, with notes of strawberry and blackcurrant, lifted by pepper and a subtle touch of oak on the finish. A true vin de plaisir, best enjoyed in its youth to capture the vibrancy of its fruit.
Food pairings
Perfect with pizza, chili con carne, grilled meats and barbecue, charcuterie platters, and cheese.
