Aurélien Chatagnier

Aurélien Chatagnier’s story began in 2002, with 1.2 hectares devoted to vin de pays. With help from fellow winemakers—he was making wine at Pierre Gaillard’s estate—Aurélien Chatagnier expanded his estate by gradually replanting vines on unused family land, particularly in the Saint-Joseph appellation, before buying new plots. Today, the vines cover 8 hectares of igneous and metamorphic rock, with granite predominating; these rocks resist erosion on the vineyard’s steep slopes. Aurélien Chatagnier is one of the rising names of the Northern Rhône, recognized by his peers in particular for his Saint-Joseph cuvée "Sybarite". Made entirely from Syrah grown on granite soil in Charnas, it comes from just 0.25 hectares and yields around 1,200 bottles a year. This single-plot cuvée is aged in oak barrels for a year, two-thirds of them new. A rare cuvée named after the Greek city of Sybaris, a name associated with the pursuit of refined pleasures. On the nose, this red Rhône wine opens with lovely hints of sweet spices, thyme and garrigue. It benefits from plenty of air, after which it develops aromas of black olives and smoked bacon, with notes of black cherry. The palate is exceptionally silky on entry yet full of energy, driven by spice and cocoa notes alongside wonderfully juicy, appealing fruit. Among the white Rhône wines, the white St-Joseph is made from 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne. The nose reveals notes of dried fruit, apricot, lemongrass and lemon balm, with an airy quality. Spiced yellow peach, with hints of star anise, dominates the palate, bringing lovely aromatic intensity whose complexity will develop over two to three years. The Côte-Rôtie has a subtle yet complex nose, with notes of red and black berries, pepper, cocoa and menthol. The palate echoes the nose with blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry and spice. Rich and silky, it extends into a long, fresh finish. Finally, the Condrieu offers exotic notes of fresh apricot and floral hints of verbena. Precise on the palate, it is full-bodied and rich but well structured, supported by well-judged acidity that keeps the finish light. An unqualified success in this appellation. An estate worth recommending, with excellent value for money.

Explore other Rhône Valley estates, including Alain Graillot, Alain Voge, Beaucastel, Clos des Papes, Dard, Delas, Gérin, Gramenon, Jean Louis Chave, Rayas and Yves Cuilleron. At Vins & Millésimes, our bottles, magnums and older vintages are always in stock, available with fast shipping and at the best price!