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.
Terroir
Highly weathered, shallow Velay granite. Production commune: Chavanay.
In the vineyard
Our estate is located in the Northern Rhône Valley, 50 km south of Lyon, 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 based on observing the vine’s cycle — “the right gesture at the right time.” Every essential practice is implemented 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 about 9,000 vines per hectare, producing low yields of small, concentrated clusters. On the upper slopes (IGP wines), density is 5,500 vines per hectare, with controlled grass cover and soil management 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 well adapted to climate change due 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
25-day maceration with immersed cap, 25% whole clusters. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts.
Ageing
22 months: 10 months in 500 L demi-muids (20% new), followed by 12 months in large foudres.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 20 years old
Serving
Serve between 18 and 20°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Deep garnet red with violet reflections. The nose is immediately expressive, revealing ripe red fruits and spice. On the palate, elegance dominates, with notes of violet and red berries. Subtle oak appears on the finish, supported by firm, structured tannins.
Food pairings
Perfect with rich game dishes such as lièvre à la royale or venison stew, as well as lamb and strong, characterful cheeses.
