Martine & Christian Rouchier

History of Domaine Rouchier

The story of Domaine Rouchier begins in 2007, when Christian Rouchier, from a farming family but not a winemaking one, acquired his first vines in the Saint-Joseph appellation. Originally, Christian ran a mixed-farming estate, growing fruit trees and raising livestock. His first plots, located near Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, were intended to supply grapes to other winemakers, while he produced a modest wine for his own personal consumption. From the very beginning, he adopted an organic approach, ploughing his soils with the help of Loraine, his Comtois mare, the 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 the production of 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 tillage in 2021 to preserve microbial life and combat erosion. Their journey illustrates a constant quest for authenticity and sustainability, making Domaine Rouchier a benchmark in the Northern Rhône.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Rouchier

Domaine Rouchier cultivates 2.9 hectares of vines spread across several plots, half of which lie within the Saint-Joseph appellation. The two main AOC plots, named Luc and La Chave, are jewels of the Ardèche terroir. The Luc plot, planted in 1972 on 0.5 hectares, is located on the western slopes of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, at around 250 metres above sea level. Its clay-schist soils lend 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 a mineral energy.

Outside the appellation, the estate works two other plots. Antraigue, planted in 2016 close to La Chave, combines Syrah (50%), Viognier (25%) and Marsanne (25%), offering aromatic white cuvées and an elegant red. The Puat plot, a tiny garden of 0.34 hectares 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 soil in order to promote biological life. Green manures (clover, rye, forage peas) and mulching are used to protect the soil against erosion and drought, while hedgerows and trees are planted along the borders to encourage biodiversity. These practices, inspired by agroforestry, have helped revitalize the soil, with the return of fungi, earthworms and bees — a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Vinifications of Domaine Rouchier

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Rouchier rests on a simple principle: letting the grape express itself without artifice. The reds, primarily made from Syrah, are vinified as whole bunches in large concrete vats, encouraging natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This process, which lasts approximately two weeks, includes moderate pigeage and pumping-over, adapted to each vintage. The whites (Viognier and Marsanne) are pressed directly and fermented in stainless steel vats, preserving their freshness and aromas.

After fermentation, the red wines are aged for 16 to 18 months in neutral oak barrels (5 to 9 years old), avoiding any aromatic contribution from the wood. The whites, for their part, are aged in stainless steel to preserve their purity. No wine is filtered or fined, and since 2015, the estate has produced most of its cuvées without added sulphur, although a light sulphiting (1 to 2 g/hl) may be applied before bottling if necessary. Bottling, carried out manually by gravity, reflects the artisanal approach of the estate, guaranteeing natural wines of remarkable clarity.

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 plot (1972), this Syrah reveals raspberry, menthol and spices, with a fresh and supple palate. Ageing: 16–18 months in neutral barrels.

Saint-Joseph "La Chave" (100% Syrah) 

Born from La Chave (1958), it offers dark fruits, olives and dried herbs, carried by fine tannins. Ageing: 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 a floral freshness. Ageing: 18 months in neutral barrels.

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

From Antraigue (2016), this juicy Syrah reveals red fruits and spices. Ageing: 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. Ageing: 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. Ageing: 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 plot and a philosophy. Explore their range on Vins & Millésimes and order these treasures from Saint-Joseph at the best price!