Xavier Gerard Cote Rotie

Xavier Gerard is one of the new stars of the Northern Rhone growers. Xavier, now in his 30s, received from his father a set of fabulous parcels spread from Cte Rotie (including a tiny holding in La Landonne vineyard), Condrieu and Saint Joseph. His first vintage was 2013, and soon after the wines became available in the international market he received a cult status.

The estate accesses impressive holdings in Condrieu and Cote-Rotie, with the majority of the vines under estate ownership, though a small component of rented vineyards is also included. Of the 3.5 hectare of AOC Condrieu under their watch, 3 hectare are estate-owned, while 2.2 hectare of the 3.2 hectare of Cote-Rotie vineyards belong to the family. A tiny parcel of Saint Joseph rounds out the holdings. The steep, craggy slopes of the vineyards demand that all work be done manually, and Xavier continues the traditional practices in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentation and classic Northern Rhone elevage, mostly in older barrels of demi-muid size. The estate produces five wines.