Xavier Gérard

History of Domaine Xavier Gérard

The history of Domaine Xavier Gérard is one of a family renaissance driven by a passion passed from father to son. François Gérard, a native of Givors, arrived in Côte-Rôtie at the very beginning of the 1970s, freshly graduated from the Lycée Viticole de Beaune. He trained at Vidal-Fleury, a great house of the valley, then at Domaine de Bonserine, at the time when the Côte-Rôtie vineyard was experiencing its spectacular renaissance. Carried along by this historic momentum, he courageously cleared and replanted his first vines on the granitic terraces of the Côte and produced his first Côte-Rôtie in the 1980 vintage. In 1984, he acquired his first Condrieu plots at Côte Châtillon, an emblematic lieu-dit of the appellation, and later the lieux-dits Marmouzin and Corbéry in the commune of Condrieu.

For many years, François divided his time between the vineyard and a part-time position at Crédit Agricole, selling a large part of his production in bulk to négociants such as Jaboulet. In 2004, Xavier, his son, joined the estate and dedicated himself to it each season, complementing his training with harvests and winemaking experiences abroad (Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Switzerland). In December 2012, upon François's retirement, Xavier took sole charge. From 2013 onwards, he commercialised under his own name cuvées that had until then been sold in bulk, including a Condrieu from Marmouzin and Corbéry named L'Arbuel, and a Côte-Rôtie La Landonne. Since then, his wines have gained rapid national and international recognition, with high scores in the major guides and distribution in the United States by the prestigious importer Rosenthal Wine Merchant.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Xavier Gérard

The Domaine Xavier Gérard vineyard spans 7.5 hectares, spread across the Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph appellations, complemented by a few rows under the IGP Collines Rhodaniennes designation. The terroirs are exclusively granitic, characteristic of the northern Rhône, with very lean and free-draining soils on the steepest terraced slopes, which force the roots to plunge deep into the rock in search of water and minerality. All vineyard work is carried out by hand, as the gradients make any mechanisation impossible or very difficult.

In Condrieu, the plots are located on three lieux-dits: Côte Châtillon (the historic plot acquired in 1984 by François, with lean, free-draining soils on granite, expressing the purest minerality), Marmouzin and Corbéry (united since 2015 under the L'Arbuel cuvée, 0.5 hectares in total). In Côte-Rôtie, the plots cover both historic côtes with a fine diversity of granitic terroirs. The La Landonne lieu-dit, on the Côte Brune, is one of the most celebrated and most powerful in the appellation, planted 100% with Syrah on iron oxide-rich soils. Le Mollard is another exceptional single-plot parcel on the Côte Brune. In Saint-Joseph, the La Blanchard plot, leased from the family of the late Gérard Villano, produces a red of remarkable purity and clarity. Xavier is progressively steering all his vines towards organic certification, a considerable challenge on these terraced hillsides.

Winemaking at Domaine Xavier Gérard

Xavier Gérard vinifies in the great classical tradition of the northern Rhône, with a desire for refinement and precision that is honed vintage after vintage. Fermentations are spontaneous, using indigenous yeasts. Ageing is carried out primarily in old oak demi-muids, allowing slow and gentle micro-oxygenation without imparting excessive oak character. For the Condrieu wines, approximately 30% of the wine is aged in oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel tanks, preserving the freshness and minerality characteristic of Viognier on granite. For the classic Côte-Rôtie, the cuvée traditionally contains 5% Viognier in the blend, in keeping with the appellation's tradition. The great cuvées (La Landonne, Le Mollard) are produced only in exceptional vintages. His style is described by critics as "svelte, pure and classical," combining granite minerality and acidic freshness in an elegant register.

The cuvées of Domaine Xavier Gérard

Viognier IGP Collines Rhodaniennes: An entry-level white cuvée from Viognier planted at 350 metres altitude on the hills of Givors, the birthplace of François Gérard. Aged in stainless steel tanks. An aromatic and fresh white wine, with the typical notes of Viognier: flowers, white peach, apricot, with fine vivacity and a light texture. "A very fine performer that ages a little" according to critics. The accessible cuvée through which to discover the estate's style, at a very reasonable price for the quality level.

Condrieu L'Arbuel: A white Condrieu cuvée from the lieux-dits Marmouzin and Corbéry, united since 2015 under this name, 0.5 hectares in total of Viognier on granitic soil. Commercialised under its own name from the 2013 vintage, having previously been sold in bulk to Jaboulet. An intense and complex nose of white peach and apricot, with floral and hazelnut notes. An ample and mineral palate, with a remarkable freshness for the appellation. "Restraint and minerality foregrounded" according to the American importer Rosenthal. 4,900 bottles produced per vintage.

Condrieu Côte Châtillon: The estate's iconic great white cuvée, from the historic Côte Châtillon plot acquired by François Gérard in 1984, on lean, free-draining granite soils that impart exceptional minerality to the Viognier. "Intense, with aromas of white peach and apricot" according to the Guide Hachette des Vins. Aged 30% in oak barrels. A wine of richness and complexity superior to L'Arbuel, with an ageing potential of several years. 4.2/5 on Vivino. Selected as a "STGT wine" (Savez-Vous Goûter les Terroirs) in 2016 and 2018 with exceptional scores.

Côte-Rôtie (Main Cuvée): A Côte-Rôtie red cuvée from a blend of estate plots across both côtes, dominant Syrah with 5% Viognier in the tradition of the appellation. Spontaneous fermentation, aged in old demi-muids. A red wine with notes of dark fruits, coffee and toasted bread, an ample, fleshy and velvety palate according to the Guide Hachette des Vins. A classical and precise expression of Côte-Rôtie, in an elegant and balanced style, "a rival to the very best the appellation has to offer."

Côte-Rôtie Le Mollard: A single-plot red cuvée from the Le Mollard lieu-dit on the Côte Brune, produced only in exceptional vintages. Pure Syrah on granite enriched with iron oxide. A red wine of great depth and controlled power, with aromas of dark fruits, smoke and spices, a firm and elegant tannic structure, and exceptional ageing potential. Indicative price: €110 per bottle.

Côte-Rôtie La Landonne: An iconic great red cuvée from the La Landonne lieu-dit, one of the most celebrated and most powerful in the entire Côte-Rôtie appellation, on the Côte Brune. Produced only in majestic vintages (2013, 2015 awarded five stars by Drink Rhône). 100% Syrah on iron oxide-rich soils. A red wine of unparalleled concentration, depth and longevity, which some critics compare to the greatest Syrahs in the world. Indicative price: €220 per bottle. The estate's absolute collector's cuvée.

Saint-Joseph La Blanchard (Red): A Saint-Joseph red cuvée from the La Blanchard plot, leased from the family of the late Gérard Villano, a benchmark winemaker. "Wines prized for their purity and clarity" according to the international press. Syrah on granitic terraces of Saint-Joseph. A red wine of remarkable elegance and precision, with aromas of dark fruits, violet and pepper, and a straight, mineral palate.

Gamay Vin de France: A red Gamay cuvée from vines planted between 1980 and 1985 at 350 metres altitude on the heights of Givors, the birthplace of François Gérard. A light and fruity red wine, with aromas of small red fruits, carrying the characteristic freshness of altitude. "A very fine performer" for Gamay lovers in an atypical Rhône Valley context. The estate's most confidential and most original cuvée.