La Grande Colline

History of Domaine 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 Bordeaux wine school in 1997. There, he developed a passion for the powerful and complex wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. After a period at Jean-Louis Grippat in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where he became head of cultivation for Guigal following the estate's acquisition, Hirotake also worked weekends with Thierry Allemand, an iconic figure in natural wines at Cornas. This encounter marked 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 ("large 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 perpetuates his legacy with a touch of biodynamics.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine La Grande Colline

Domaine La Grande Colline extends over 3.8 hectares of steep hillsides, mainly in Saint-Péray and Cornas, in the Northern Rhône Valley. The granitic soils, typical of these appellations, give the wines a distinctive minerality and elegant structure. In Cornas, Hirotake patiently cleared a wild plot planted with Syrah, the region's king grape variety, cultivated without any chemical treatment. In Saint-Péray, the Marsanne and Roussanne vines thrive in a biodiverse environment, surrounded by forests and weeds that promote a natural ecosystem. The estate practices rigorous biodynamic viticulture, banning herbicides, chemical pesticides, and fertilizers. Hirotake even experiments with alternatives like lemon seed essential oils to protect his vines, illustrating his commitment to sustainable agriculture that respects the terroir.

Vinifications from Domaine La Grande Colline

La Grande Colline's winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention to allow the terroir and grape to express themselves fully. Harvests are carried out by hand, with meticulous sorting of clusters to retain only perfect fruit. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, without adding sulfur, sugar, or any other inputs. The reds, mainly made from Syrah, often benefit from partial carbonic maceration and extended aging in old barrels, sometimes up to 36 months, to stabilize the wine naturally. The whites, made from Marsanne and Roussanne, ferment slowly in tanks or barrels, revealing unique freshness and complexity. This artisanal approach, inherited from Thierry Allemand's teachings and inspired by Japanese philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, guarantees pure, vibrant wines faithful to their origin.

The Cuvées of Domaine La Grande Colline

La Grande Colline's cuvées, 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 black fruits, it captivates with its silky structure and long finish. A wine for aging par excellence, ideal to accompany refined dishes.

Saint-Péray 

This white, crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne, reveals a golden hue 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 gourmet wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, leather, and sweet spices. Aged 24 months in tanks, it captivates with its velvety texture and harmonious finish. An accessible cuvée, ideal for convivial meals.

Le Canon Rosé 

Produced from Muscat Hamburg, this atypical rosé exudes an enchanting muscat fragrance. Almost colorless, it surprises with its aromatic power and singular beauty, perfect for summer aperitifs.

Saint-Joseph 

Crafted from Syrah 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 enjoy 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 citrus amanatsu, this unique beverage, neither wine nor cider, captivates with its yellow color, slight 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 innovation. The Shokoshi, an intense red, and the Muscat d'Alexandrie, an aromatic white, showcase his talent for transcending viticultural boundaries.

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