Côte Rôtie Chateau d’Ampuis 2017, Guigal

Côte Rôtie Chateau d’Ampuis 2017, Guigal

Guigal: A Legendary Name in Rhône Valley Winemaking

History and Heritage

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in the village of Ampuis, the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, E. Guigal has grown into one of the most prestigious and influential wineries in the Rhône Valley. Étienne started with a deep passion for the region’s terroir, working tirelessly to revive vineyards that had suffered during World War II. His vision and dedication laid the foundation for what would become a benchmark estate for Rhône wines.

In the 1960s, his son Marcel Guigal took over the domaine and expanded its reputation worldwide. Under his leadership, Guigal acquired historic vineyards and négociant operations, elevating the quality of Rhône wines to new heights. Today, the estate is managed by Philippe Guigal, the third generation, who continues the family’s commitment to excellence.

Terroir and Vineyards

Guigal owns and manages some of the finest vineyards in the Rhône Valley, spanning Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The winery is best known for its mastery of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, particularly through its legendary «La La» wines:

• La Mouline – Known for its finesse and floral elegance
• La Turque – Rich, structured, and intense
• La Landonne – The most powerful and long-lived of the trio

The domaine also produces exceptional Condrieu wines, including the prestigious La Doriane, a Viognier of remarkable depth and complexity.

Winemaking Philosophy

Guigal follows a meticulous hands-on approach in both the vineyard and winery, ensuring that each wine expresses the essence of its terroir. The family believes in long barrel aging, often extending beyond traditional Rhône practices, which adds depth, complexity, and age-worthiness to the wines. They use a combination of new and used oak, with a preference for long maturation periods in their own cooperage, one of the few still in use in France today.

Wine Portfolio

Guigal offers an extensive range of wines, from accessible and affordable Côtes du Rhône to rare and highly sought-after single-vineyard cuvées. Some of the highlights include:

• Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne – Iconic single-vineyard Syrah wines that define the appellation
• Condrieu La Doriane – A rich and aromatic Viognier showcasing the best of Condrieu
• Hermitage Ex-Voto (Red & White) – A tribute to the powerful and structured wines of Hermitage
• Saint-Joseph Vignes de l’Hospice – A fine example of Northern Rhône Syrah
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape – A full-bodied, complex wine from the Southern Rhône
• Côtes du Rhône Rouge & Blanc – High-quality, everyday wines that reflect Guigal’s precision and consistency

Legacy and Influence

Guigal is widely credited with elevating Rhône Valley wines to global prominence. The winery’s relentless pursuit of quality has influenced winemakers across the region, setting a high standard for Rhône Syrah, Viognier, and Grenache. Critics and collectors alike consider Guigal’s top cuvées among the finest wines in the world, consistently earning high scores and accolades from top wine publications.

For wine enthusiasts and collectors, Guigal represents the pinnacle of Rhône Valley winemaking, balancing tradition with innovation. From approachable Côtes du Rhône to legendary Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage bottlings, the estate offers an extraordinary range of wines that showcase the power, elegance, and complexity of the Rhône terroir.