La Grande Colline

The Story of 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 enroll at the Bordeaux oenology school 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 vineyard manager for Guigal following the acquisition of the estate, Hirotake also worked 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 released his first vintage under the name La Grande Colline, a literal translation of his Japanese surname ("grande colline" meaning "big 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 Vineyards of La Grande Colline

La Grande Colline estate spans 3.8 hectares of steep hillside vineyards, primarily in Saint-Péray and Cornas, in the northern Rhône Valley. The granitic soils, typical of these appellations, lend the wines a distinctive minerality and elegant structure. In Cornas, Hirotake patiently cleared a wild plot planted with syrah — the region's signature grape variety — cultivated without any chemical treatments. 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 follows a rigorous biodynamic approach, banning herbicides, chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Hirotake even experiments with alternatives such as lemon seed essential oils to protect his vines, reflecting his commitment to sustainable, terroir-respectful farming.

Winemaking at La Grande Colline

La Grande Colline's winemaking philosophy rests on minimal intervention, allowing the terroir and the grape to express themselves fully. Harvesting is done by hand, with meticulous sorting of the bunches to retain only flawless fruit. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulphur, sugar or any other input. The reds, predominantly syrah-based, often benefit from partial carbonic maceration and extended ageing in old barrels — sometimes up to 36 months — to stabilise 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 pure, vibrant wines that are faithful to their origins.

The Cuvées of La Grande Colline

The cuvées of La Grande Colline, produced in limited quantities, are treasures for natural wine enthusiasts. 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 outstanding wine for cellaring, ideal to accompany refined dishes.

Saint-Péray 

This white, crafted from marsanne and roussanne, reveals a golden robe 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 generous wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, leather and gentle spices. Aged 24 months in tank, it seduces with its velvety texture and harmonious finish. An approachable cuvée, ideal for convivial meals.

Le Canon Rosé 

Produced from Muscat Hamburg, this atypical rosé exhales an enchanting muscat fragrance. Almost colourless, it surprises with its aromatic intensity and singular beauty, making it perfect for summer aperitifs.

Saint-Joseph 

Crafted from syrah grown on 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, perfect to enjoy with grilled meats.

Grenache 

This cuvée, made from grapes sourced in the region, delivers a burst of red fruits and spices, with fine tannins and remarkable precision. A warm and inviting wine, to be discovered alongside Mediterranean dishes.

La Grande Colline Japan - Amanatsu 

Produced in Japan from citrus amanatsu, this unique beverage — neither wine nor cider — captivates with its yellow colour, gentle effervescence and balanced bitterness. A gastronomic oddity well worth trying alongside Asian dishes.

La Grande Colline Japan - Shokoshi

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

La Grande Colline is truly the fruit of artisanal craftsmanship 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 won over by Hirotake Ooka's legacy and share a unique tasting experience with La Grande Colline!