Martine & Christian Rouchier

History of Domaine Rouchier

The history of Domaine Rouchier begins in 2007, when Christian Rouchier, from a family of farmers but not winegrowers, acquires his first vines in the Saint-Joseph appellation. Originally, Christian ran a mixed farming operation, cultivating fruit trees and raising livestock. His first parcels, located near Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, were intended to supply grapes to other winemakers, while he produced a modest wine for personal consumption. From the start, he adopts an organic approach, plowing his soils with the help of Loraine, his Comtoise mare, emblem of the estate.

In 2010, the estate obtained its organic farming certification, marking a decisive turning point. Three years later, in 2013, Christian decided to vinify and bottle his entire production, officially launching Domaine Rouchier. That same year, he built a cellar at his home, consolidating his commitment to producing artisanal wines. In 2016, the estate expanded with the planting of an additional hectare, welcoming Viognier, Marsanne and Syrah grape varieties. Since then, Christian and Martine have continued to innovate, adopting biodynamic practices and abandoning soil tilling in 2021 to preserve microbial life and combat erosion. Their journey illustrates a constant quest for authenticity and sustainability, making Domaine Rouchier a reference in the Northern Rhône.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Rouchier

Domaine Rouchier cultivates 2.9 hectares of vines spread across several parcels, half of which are located in the Saint-Joseph appellation. The two main AOC parcels, named Luc and La Chave, are jewels of the Ardèche terroir. The Luc parcel, planted in 1972 on 0.5 hectares, is situated on the western slopes of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, at approximately 250 meters altitude. Its clay-schist soils give the wines a unique delicacy and vibrancy. La Chave, older (planted in 1958) and larger (1 hectare), rests on granitic gneiss soils, producing structured and opulent Syrahs, marked by mineral energy.

Outside the appellation, the estate operates two other parcels. Antraigue, planted in 2016 near La Chave, combines Syrah (50%), Viognier (25%) and Marsanne (25%), offering aromatic white cuvées and an elegant red. The Puat parcel, a tiny 0.34-hectare garden planted in 1952, blends Syrah (80%) and Chasselas (20%), creating a rare and surprising cuvée. These varied terroirs, combined with respectful viticulture, allow Domaine Rouchier to produce wines of great diversity and remarkable authenticity.

Since 2021, Christian has stopped tilling the soils to promote biological life. Green manures (clover, rye, field peas) and mulching are used to protect soils against erosion and drought, while hedges and trees are planted along the borders to encourage biodiversity. These practices, inspired by agroforestry, have helped revitalize the soils, with the return of fungi, earthworms and bees, signs of a healthy ecosystem.

Winemaking at Domaine Rouchier

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Rouchier is based on a simple principle: let the grapes express themselves without artifice. The reds, mainly from Syrah, are vinified with whole clusters in large concrete tanks, promoting natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This process, lasting approximately two weeks, includes moderate punching down and pumping over, adapted to each vintage. The whites (Viognier and Marsanne) are pressed directly and fermented in stainless steel tanks, preserving their freshness and aromas.

After fermentation, red wines are aged for 16 to 18 months in neutral oak barrels (aged 5 to 9 years), avoiding any aromatic contribution from the wood. The whites, meanwhile, are aged in stainless steel to maintain their purity. No wine is filtered or fined, and since 2015, the estate produces most of its cuvées without added sulfur, although a light sulfiting (1 to 2 g/hl) may be applied before bottling if necessary. Bottling, done manually by gravity, reflects the estate's artisanal approach, ensuring remarkably clean natural wines.

The cuvées of Domaine Rouchier

Martine and Christian Rouchier offer six cuvées, each expressing a unique terroir. Here are their wines:

Saint-Joseph "Luc" (100% Syrah) 

From the Luc parcel (1972), this Syrah reveals raspberry, menthol and spices, with a fresh and smooth palate. Aging: 16-18 months in neutral barrels.

Saint-Joseph "La Chave" (100% Syrah) 

Born from La Chave (1958), it offers black fruits, olives and dried herbs, carried by fine tannins. Aging: 16-18 months in neutral barrels.

Vin de France "Puat" (80% Syrah, 20% Chasselas) 

This rare cuvée (1952) blends white pepper, mint and raspberry, with floral freshness. Aging: 18 months in neutral barrels.

Vin de France "Antraigue Syrah" (100% Syrah) 

From Antraigue (2016), this juicy Syrah reveals red fruits and spices. Aging: 18 months in stainless steel.

Vin de France "Antraigue Viognier" (100% Viognier) 

A fresh Viognier, with notes of pear and almond, with a saline finish. Aging: 18 months in stainless steel.

Vin de France "Antraigue Marsanne" (100% Marsanne) 

Aromatic, with white fruits and a silky texture, this wine shines with its vivacity. Aging: 18 months in stainless steel.

Martine and Christian Rouchier embody the peasant and artisanal soul of the Northern Rhône. Their Domaine Rouchier, with its natural wines and sustainable practices, offers a rare tasting experience, where each cuvée tells the story of a parcel and a philosophy. Explore their range on Vins & Millésimes and order these Saint-Joseph treasures at the best price!