Alt Domaine les Teyssonnières In 1838, our first vintage was born... Alt Domaine les Teyssonnières In 1838, our first vintage was born... Alt In 1838, our first vintage was born... Domaine les Teyssonnières

Domaine les Teyssonnières, wine producer in Gigondas

Since 1838, our family estate, established on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, at the foot of the village of Gigondas, has been passed down through six generations of winemakers. Our vineyard, made up of old vines averaging 70 years old, spans 13.5 hectares in Gigondas, in the heart of the Côtes-du-Rhône. Our expertise, acquired over generations, is our main asset. This is why we have chosen to maintain traditional soil cultivation and goblet pruning of our vines. We also practice sustainable viticulture and are HVE (High Environmental Value) certified.

Our grapes are hand-sorted, and our wines are vinified with temperature control.

Our wines are thus the expression of a terroir and expertise acquired over time and passed down through several generations.

Our Gigondas wines and our Côtes-du-Rhône wines

Discover the very essence of our terroir with our wines from the prestigious Gigondas and Côtes-du-Rhône appellations. The rosé, white, and red cuvées, with their colors, aromas, and rich flavors, invite you on a poetic journey to the heart of our vineyard. Let yourself be charmed by the wines of Domaine les Teyssonnières.

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Our Terroir

Our vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate, bathed in sunlight and swept by the Mistral (a north wind emblematic of the south). Nestled at the foot of the imposing Dentelles de Montmirail, our estate benefits from ascending and descending breezes that help moderate extreme temperatures.

The Dentelles de Montmirail reduce the intensity of the morning sun, extending the maturation period for Grenache. This grape variety requires time to develop, and our terroir provides the space and climate necessary for it to thrive fully.

Sandy Soils and Pre-Phylloxera Vines

Our vineyard features sandy soils with high permeability, acting as a natural barrier against erosion from runoff. This characteristic helps preserve soil quality and maintain the stability of the vineyard plots. The permeability of these soils aids in rapid drainage, allowing for quick drying after rainfall. This creates an ideal environment for vine growth, ensuring healthy and robust vineyards.

Thanks to these soils, the risks associated with excess moisture are minimized. This reduces disease pressure compared to other terroirs. Another advantage of sandy soils is their ability to store solar energy efficiently. This extends the vegetative activity of the vines, even during less sunny seasons, by creating a favorable microclimate. The abundant presence of this sand, known as “safre” in Provence, allows for the rare occurrence of pre-phylloxera vines. These vines add a historical and authentic dimension to the viticulture in our region and vineyard.

Our Different Grape Varieties

Our vineyard reveals two important characteristics regarding our grape varieties and vines. The first is the age of our vines. Our oldest plots still house pre-phylloxera vines, reflecting a history nearly 140 years old. These vines have survived the tests of time and pests, particularly the phylloxera insect. This insect lays larvae on the roots, causing the plant to die. One of the only survival possibilities for the vine is entirely sandy soils. In such soils, the galleries collapse on themselves, suffocating the insect.

The second unique feature of our vineyard is its diversity of grape varieties. We cultivate 13 different grape varieties, showcasing our commitment to diversity. Our most iconic varieties, such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Clairette, undergo individual vinification. This meticulous approach preserves the essence of each variety.

Our signature ALEXANDRE AOP Gigondas cuvée, emblematic of our estate, results from blending these varieties after fermentation, creating a distinctive wine that embodies our diversity and uniqueness.

The remaining grape varieties are vinified together.

Domaine les Teyssonnières

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AOP Gigondas

A bit of history...

Viticulture in Gigondas dates back to antiquity. The village name, from the Latin "Jocunditas," meaning "joy," reflects this tradition. Modern viticulture began in the 1860s, influenced by Eugène Raspail. Phylloxera in the 1870s devastated the vineyards, leading to olive cultivation. Viticulture revived with grafting techniques, and after severe frosts in 1929 and 1956, vines replaced olives. In 1953, "Gigondas" was added to the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation. On January 6, 1971, Gigondas was recognized as a Cru, highlighting its exceptional wine quality.

The Terroir

The Gigondas AOP vineyard, around 1200 hectares, lies solely in Gigondas. The terroir includes sandy soils, red clay alluvial terraces, and marl-limestone slopes, ensuring optimal water infiltration and solar energy storage. The soils, rich in clay, are ideal for producing great wines. Domaine Les Teyssonnières vines thrive on sandy safre soils, named after the Provençal "taissoun," or badgers, which dig through these fine sands. This soil imparts subtle tannins to the wines. The vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and the Mistral wind, ensuring ample sunlight.

A controlled production for the Appellation d'Origine Protégée Gigondas

AOP Gigondas wines must adhere to strict guidelines for harvesting, vinification, and aging to achieve AOP certification. The dominant grape variety is Grenache Noir, required at a minimum of 50%, up to a single varietal. Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault can be blended with Grenache Noir to enhance the wine's profile. Gigondas predominantly produces powerful red wines with pronounced tannins that mellow over time.

Since 2023, the appellation has expanded to include white wines, recognizing the efforts of local winemakers.

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AOP Côtes-du-Rhône

The Origin of AOP Côtes-du-Rhône

In 1650, regulations were established to protect the authenticity and quality of Côtes-du-Rhône wines. A royal decree in 1737 mandated that all barrels for sale and transport be marked with "C.D.R." This recognition was solidified in 1937 with the creation of the AOP Côtes-du-Rhône.

The Terroir of Côtes-du-Rhône

The vineyard stretches from Vienne to Avignon, covering 171 communes across six departments (Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône, and Vaucluse) with about 30,000 hectares. The terroir includes pebble soils, loess soils, and sandy soils, each contributing to different wine characteristics. Pebble soils provide consistent water supply and heat retention, ideal for aging wines. Loess soils, with their varied water supply, are perfect for white and rosé wines. Sandy soils, with their light texture, are suited for lighter red wines.

The Climate

The vineyard faces a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters with minimal rainfall. The mistral wind is a major climatic feature year-round.

Specifications to Protect AOP Côtes-du-Rhône

AOP Côtes-du-Rhône wines must adhere to strict vinification rules followed by all winemakers. About twenty grape varieties are authorized, with Grenache being predominant in red and rosé wines, representing at least 30% of the blend. Syrah and Mourvèdre add spicy aromas, while Cinsault is used for rosés. For white wines, permitted varieties include Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier.

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