La Grande Colline

History of the domaine de La Grande Colline

The story of La Grande Colline begins in the late 1990s, when Hirotake Ooka, a chemistry student at Meiji University in Tokyo, discovered wine during a stay in France. Fascinated by this world, he abandoned his scientific studies to join the oenology school in Bordeaux in 1997. There, he developed a passion for the powerful and complex wines of the northern Rhône Valley. After a stint with Jean-Louis Grippat in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where he became head of viticulture for Guigal following the acquisition of the estate, Hirotake also worked on weekends with Thierry Allemand, an iconic figure of natural wines in Cornas. This encounter proved to be a turning point: inspired by Allemand's philosophy, he adopted a minimalist and natural approach. In 2001, he launched his first vintage under the name La Grande Colline, a literal translation of his Japanese surname ("great hill"). In 2007, he settled in Saint-Péray, clearing steep hillsides by hand to shape his own vineyard. In 2017, Hirotake returned to Japan to create La Grande Colline Japan in Okayama, while leaving the French estate in the hands of Jonathan Jacquart, who carries on his legacy with a touch of biodynamics.

Terroirs and Vines of the domaine de La Grande Colline

The La Grande Colline estate spans 3.8 hectares of steep hillsides, primarily in Saint-Péray and Cornas, in the northern Rhône Valley. The granitic soils, typical of these appellations, impart a distinctive minerality and elegant structure to the wines. In Cornas, Hirotake patiently cleared a wild plot planted with syrah, the king grape variety of the region, cultivated without any chemical treatment. In Saint-Péray, the marsanne and roussanne vines thrive in a biodiverse environment, surrounded by forests and wild grasses that foster a natural ecosystem. The estate practices rigorous biodynamic viticulture, banning herbicides, chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Hirotake even experiments with alternatives such as lemon seed essential oils to protect his vines, illustrating his commitment to sustainable farming that respects the terroir.

Vinifications from the domaine de La Grande Colline

The winemaking philosophy of La Grande Colline is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the terroir and the grape to fully express themselves. Harvests are carried out by hand, with meticulous sorting of the clusters to retain only flawless fruit. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfur, sugar or any other input. The reds, predominantly from syrah, often benefit from a partial carbonic maceration and extended aging in old barrels, sometimes up to 36 months, to stabilize the wine naturally. The whites, crafted from marsanne and roussanne, ferment slowly in tanks or barrels, revealing a unique freshness and complexity. This artisanal approach, inherited from the teachings of Thierry Allemand and inspired by the Japanese philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, guarantees wines that are pure, vibrant and faithful to their origins.

The cuvées of the domaine de La Grande Colline

La Grande Colline's cuvées, produced in limited quantities, are treasures for lovers of natural wines. Here is an overview of the estate's main creations:

Cornas 

From the plot cleared by Hirotake in Cornas, this 100% syrah cuvée is a masterpiece of finesse and power. With its aromas of black pepper, smoked meat and dark fruits, it captivates with its silky structure and lingering finish. An exceptional wine for cellaring, ideal for accompanying refined dishes.

Saint-Péray 

This white, crafted from marsanne and roussanne, reveals a golden color and notes of apricot, white flowers and minerality. Its freshness and balance make it a perfect companion for seafood or aged cheeses.

Le Canon Rouge

A blend of syrah and grenache, this indulgent wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, leather and soft spices. Aged 24 months in tank, it captivates with its velvety texture and harmonious finish. An accessible cuvée, ideal for convivial meals.

Le Canon Rosé 

Produced from muscat d'Hambourg, this atypical rosé exudes an intoxicating muscat fragrance. Almost colorless, it surprises with its aromatic intensity and singular beauty, perfect for summer aperitifs.

Saint-Joseph 

Crafted from syrah sourced from biodynamic vines, this elegant red reveals notes of red fruits, pepper and an earthy touch. Its lightness and supple tannins make it a versatile wine, to be savored with grilled meats.

Grenache 

This cuvée, made from grapes purchased in the region, offers an explosion of red fruits and spices, with fine tannins and remarkable precision. A warm wine to discover with Mediterranean dishes.

La Grande Colline Japan - Amanatsu 

Produced in Japan from amanatsu citrus, this unique drink — neither wine nor cider — captivates with its yellow color, light effervescence and balanced bitterness. A gastronomic oddity to try with Asian dishes.

La Grande Colline Japan - Shokoshi

These Japanese wines, crafted from local and European grape varieties, embody Hirotake's spirit of innovation. The Shokoshi, an intense red, and the Muscat d'Alexandrie, an aromatic white, testify to his talent for transcending the boundaries of viticulture.

La Grande Colline is truly the fruit of artisanal work and a pursuit of excellence. Explore our selection and enjoy the best prices to acquire these treasures from the Rhône Valley and Japan. Let yourself be seduced by the legacy of Hirotake Ooka and share a unique tasting experience with La Grande Colline!