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
Biotite granite.
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 vineyard practice 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, producing small, concentrated clusters. On the upper slopes (IGP wines), planting 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 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
Manual harvest.
Ageing
12 months in stainless steel tanks and demi-muids, no new oak.
Varietal
Viognier : 100%
Specifications
Production volume : 35000
Age of vines : 20 years old
Serving
Serve between 8 and 12°C.
Ageing potential
2 to 3 years
Tasting
Brilliant light yellow with golden tints and green reflections. The nose is fresh and aromatic, with notes of pear, vanilla, and mandarin. On the palate, the wine is fresh and well-balanced, displaying classic Viognier varietal aromas of peach and apricot. The finish is long, with lingering fruit persistence.
Food pairings
With its aromatic freshness and generous notes of peach, apricot, and mandarin, Or Piste Viognier from Domaine Chirat pairs beautifully with refined dishes. It is an ideal match for seafood and delicate fish, such as seared scallops or roasted sea bass with fennel. Its natural roundness also complements creamy poultry dishes or a chicken tagine with apricots. On the vegetarian side, a fragrant vegetable stir-fry with coriander or a mild prawn curry with coconut milk will highlight its exotic flair. Finally, it shows great harmony with fresh goat’s cheese or a fruit-based dessert such as a pavlova with yellow fruits.
