Domaine Usseglio is, first and foremost, the story of a family. In 1948 Francis Usseglio, an Italian labourer, came to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to work in the vineyards. His passion for wine and motivation led him to take on a few hectares of vines on a sharecropping basis known as métayage. His son Raymond took over from him, continuing the tradition but adding a modern touch by converting the vineyards to biodynamic. Today, the 24-hectare Domaine Usseglio is run by Francis' grandchildren, Jean-Pierre, Thierry and Stéphane and is one of the appellation's leading lights. Its grape varieties are typical for Châteauneuf with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault for red wine and Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache for white. The vines are between 30 and 60 years old and harvesting is carried out manually. The resulting wines have plenty of character, combining power with a hint of rustic simplicity.

A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre harvested by hand; the wines are fermented for 30 days, with daily pumping over and punching down. A quarter of the wine is matured in vats, three-quarters in casks. The wines are left on fine lees. Excessive addition of sulphite is avoided, and wines are racked by gravity to minimise stress and manhandling. Grenache and Syrah lend character and delicacy to this racy, harmonious, fresh wine, with delicate, well-integrated tannins. This Gigondas has a wonderful ability to develop over time without ever losing its freshness and characteristic class.