Domaine Christophe Pichon

Domaine Christophe Pichon – Passion, tradition and excellence in the Rhône Valley

Domain name

Domaine Christophe Pichon

Wine region

Northern Rhône Valley

Philosophy and History

The story of Domaine Christophe Pichon began in the 1960s with Philippe Pichon, a passionate visionary who breathed new life into the forgotten slopes of Condrieu. He laid the foundations of the family estate by vigorously replanting Viognier and Syrah on the steep terraces. This pioneering work revived a neglected vineyard and transformed it into a leading winery.

His son Christophe took over the reins in the 1990s, officially establishing the eponymous estate in 1991. Committed and involved at every level, he expanded the estate and modernized the winery in 2010, while remaining faithful to traditional practices and respectful of the terroir. Christophe also played an active role in the local wine community, presiding over the Condrieu AOC and working towards the inscription of the Rhône Valley on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Since 2015, Corentin, representing the new generation, has joined the estate with a decidedly modern vision, refining the plot-by-plot vinifications, renewing the cuvées, and developing the facilities for precision work. This blend of experience and innovation guarantees the excellence of every bottle.

The estate is deeply committed to a balance between tradition and innovation. Terraced vineyards, the restoration of dry stone walls, and the use of horses in the vineyards all contribute to environmental preservation and soil health. This sustainable approach enhances the quality of the grapes and promotes the authentic expression of the terroir.

Appellations and terroirs

The estate spans 14 hectares across prestigious terroirs: Condrieu, Saint-Joseph (white and red), Côte-Rôtie, and Côte-Rôtie en Côte Blonde. These vineyards are planted on terraced granite slopes, offering an ideal south to southeast exposure. The geological and topographical diversity gives each plot a unique character, reflected in the finesse and depth of the wines.

Iconic grape varieties

The estate primarily cultivates Syrah for its powerful and elegant reds, as well as Viognier and Marsanne for its rich and delicate whites. This range allows for the full expression of the richness of the Rhône Valley terroirs.

Production specifics

The work in the vineyard is meticulous, combining sustainable viticulture with traditional methods: manual plowing, restoration of dry stone walls, and the use of horses for soil work to preserve biodiversity and limit erosion. The harvest is exclusively manual, ensuring rigorous selection of the grape bunches.

In the cellar, vinification is carried out plot by plot in a modern cellar inaugurated in 2022, equipped with small-capacity tanks. This allows for aging tailored to each terroir with a wide variety of containers: barrels, casks, and stainless steel tanks. The family collaborates with 11 different coopers to refine the choice of wood, toasting level, and tank size, all in the service of finesse and elegance.

The winery is also innovating with whole-cluster fermentation and wines without added sulfites, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement while respecting the terroir and the health of the wine. This perpetual quest for quality and environmental responsibility underscores the estate's deep commitment to sustainable and responsible viticulture.

Recognitions

Domaine Christophe Pichon enjoys a solid reputation for the quality and character of its wines. Awarded a star in the Guide Vert de la Revue du Vin de France, it is recognized for its consistency and respect for tradition, combined with a controlled modern approach. Its wines appeal to both discerning amateurs and professionals, who appreciate their elegance, complexity, and aging potential.

Why choose a wine from Domaine Christophe Pichon?

• A family legacy spanning three passionate generations
• Viticulture that respects biodiversity and the terroir
• Wines from the most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône
• A modern cellar for precise and customized winemaking.
• Powerful, elegant, and refined vintages.

Explore the wines of Domaine Christophe Pichon and let yourself be seduced by the unique richness and finesse of the Rhône terroirs, enhanced by this committed family estate.