The family history of Domaine Niero
One of the oldest and most prestigious estates in Condrieu
The history of this estate begins in1973withJean Pichon,He is considered the ambassador of the appellation.CondrieuHe planted the vines and worked hard to shape one of the most beautiful landscapes of this heritage. The estate was taken over a few years later, in 1985, byRobert Niero, his son-in-law. He will make the estate a benchmark of theRhône ValleyHe passed on his passion for wine and viticulture to his son.Rémi Nierowho joined him at the estate in 2004. An engineer by training,Rémi Nieromanufactures tanks for wine fermentation alongside his work as a winemaker.
He develops and structures the estate using family expertise and the traditions instilled in him by his father. His passion, more than just a job, allows Rémi to produce exceptionally high-quality wines. The authenticity and natural balance he conveys in his wines is simply incredible. Environmentally conscious,Rémi Nieroconverts the vineyard and obtains certificationHigh Environmental Valuein 2019.Domaine Nierorepresents one of the oldest estates in their appellation.
The three great men Jean, Robert, and Rémi shaped and continue to develop theDomaine Nieroon the appellations ofCôte-Rôtie, ofCondrieuandSaint Josephoffering us great wines from theNorthern Rhône Valley!
The terroir of the Northern Rhône Valley
Syrah and Viognier
THEDomaine Nieroincludes several vineyards located in the appellations ofCôte-Rôtie,CondrieuAndSaint JosephThe entire vineyard covers 7 hectares of vines.
- L'Côte-Rôtie PDO, the favorite terroir of theSyrahThe vineyard is composed of mica schist and granite soil with a moderate continental climate: dry and hot in summer, with regular rainfall in other seasons. The vineyard covers an area of 2 hectares and comprises 2 plots:La Vallièreand theBassenon Hillside. We find very steep granite terraces, called “chaillets”, held back by stone walls.
- The Condrieu appellationis formerly the preferred terroir of the grape varietyViognierThe vineyard is situated on steep granite slopes overlooking the river. The unique character of the terroir necessitates entirely manual labor. The climate is the same as that of theCôte-RôtieThe vintages ofCondrieuare sourced from 6 plots that extend over more than 4 hectares.
- The vineyard ofSaint Josephis located on the right bank of the Rhône, in the municipality ofChavanayto that ofGuilherandThe vines are located on narrow terraces with steep granite slopes and benefit from a south-southeast exposure.
The vineyard ofDomaine Nierois entirely cultivated by hand throughout the year. Soil health and biodiversity are paramount forRémi NieroHe has always followed an environmental approach for his vineyard. This has allowed him to obtain the labelHigh Environmental Valuein 2019.
The winemaking process of the estate's wines
Very high-quality wines suitable for aging.
The grapes are harvested by hand. Once the harvest is complete, everything takes place in the winery. The winemaking process varies depending on the appellation.
- For theCôte-RôtieAfter destemming the grapes, maceration is lengthy, lasting up to three weeks in temperature-controlled concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation then takes place. Finally, the wine is aged for 15 to 24 months in oak barrels.
- For theCondrieuFirst, the grapes undergo pneumatic pressing before proceeding to alcoholic fermentation, which takes place in temperature-controlled tanks. Next comes the lees stirring stage in barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurs before aging for 11 to 12 months in oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.
- For theSaint JosephIt's the same process as for Côte-Rôtie wines, only the aging lasts 15 months.
The richness of the terroir, the family's expertise, and the team's passion allow the wines to offer beautiful aromatic purity and great aging potential. The wines offered by theDomaine NieroThese great wines ofSyrahandViognierreveal an incredible minerality, a refined elegance, and a lovely character. Lovers of great wines from theRhône ValleyLike us, succumb to the lovely wines ofDomaine Niero.
