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
From hillside parcels located in the Lieu-dit La Côte, in the commune of Chavanay.
Terroir
A rare muscovite granite soil within the Saint-Joseph appellation.
In the vineyard
Our estate is located in the Northern Rhône Valley, 50 km south of Lyon, more precisely in the commune of Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône. All our 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. We practice sustainable viticulture, guided by observation of each stage of the vine’s development — “the right gesture at the right moment.” All essential vineyard work is carried out to ensure grape quality: 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 a density close to 9,000 vines per hectare, reducing vigor and producing small, concentrated, aromatic clusters. On the upper slopes (IGP wines), density is 5,500 vines per hectare, with controlled cover cropping and soil management to regulate vigor and limit erosion.
Our vine material comes from massal selection of old vineyards, grafted in Savoie by the RIONDY nursery. Viognier is grafted onto Rupestris du Lot, an old, nearly forgotten rootstock particularly well adapted to climate change thanks to its suitability for poor soils and its ability to delay the vegetative cycle. Red varieties are grafted onto 3309 Couderc.
Harvest
Hand-picked.
Winemaking
Alcoholic fermentation is carried out entirely with indigenous yeasts. 25% of the harvest is vinified with whole clusters. Maceration lasts 24 days with an immersed cap, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel with indigenous bacteria. Barrels are stirred every 4 weeks for 6 months.
Ageing
12 months in 500 L demi-muids and wooden vats, with 20% new oak.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 30 years old
Serving
Serve at 15–20°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
A deep, intense red color. The nose is highly expressive, opening with spicy notes and very ripe red fruits. On the palate, the wine is elegant and long, with a solid structure supported by well-integrated, silky tannins. Oak ageing brings hints of spice and vanilla, adding complexity. The finish is long, with lingering smoky and spicy nuances.
Food pairings
This wine is a perfect match for game dishes such as duck breast or wild boar stew with roasted chestnuts. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, and even dark chocolate for a bold, indulgent pairing.
