Domaine Champet is a major player in the Côte-Rôtie appellation (northern Rhône Valley). Originally established by Emile Champet, the three hectares of Syrah vines north of Ampuis are now tended with the greatest care by his son Joël. Growing in one of the most prestigious appellations in the Rhône Valley, the vines are unique in that they grow on sloping ground, enclosed by stone walls known as cheys. These walls, some of which date back to Roman times, soften the steep slopes of some parcels and ease the winegrower’s arduous labour. The vines thrive in a perfectly balanced climate, with mild winters and hot summers. In the winery, the domain’s low interventionist winemaking techniques result in beautifully coloured Syrah wines that are rich in tannin and boast an exceptional range of aromas, delighting the most demanding Côte-Rôtie connoisseurs.

Domaine Champet is now run by Joël Champet, the son of its founder: Emile Champet. He owns three hectares of vines located to the north of the famous Ampuis winemaking commune, the beating heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. This is the birthplace of his Côte-Rôtie, produced from Syrah, the appellation’s noble variety, which draws its pedigree and the nutrients it needs to flourish from particularly steep soils that require demanding work, mainly performed manually. In the winery, the aim is clear: to reveal the identity of this distinctive terroir through wines of the highest quality. The vinification process is naturally meticulous, with little intervention, leaving the fermentation process in the hands of native yeasts. Aged in oak, the cuvée boasts exceptional density, not only visually, but also in terms of smell and taste. It displays a very dark red colour, with a dense aroma evoking red and black fruits, pepper, sweet spices and violets. Over time, hints of leather and fur emerge.