Bernard Gripa, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Bernard Gripa is a modest 16-hectare family estate in the Northern Rhône, now led by Fabrice Gripa, producing exceptional Marsanne and Roussanne whites and Syrah reds from their steep granite and limestone vineyards in Saint-Joseph and Saint-Péray. Their non-interventionist approach balances traditional methods with modern precision, yielding terroir-driven wines that showcase remarkable depth while remaining under the radar compared to more famous regional producers.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Bernard Gripa was established in the 1960s when Bernard Gripa began bottling wines from his family's vineyards in the Northern Rhône Valley. Prior to this, the family had been growing grapes and selling them to local cooperatives. The domaine is based in Mauves, a small village in the Saint-Joseph appellation. In 1997, Bernard's son Fabrice Gripa took over the estate's operations after completing his oenological studies and working alongside his father to learn the family's winemaking traditions. Under Fabrice's direction, the domaine has maintained its focus on expressing the distinct terroirs of their Saint-Péray and Saint-Joseph vineyards while refining production techniques. The transition between generations was methodical and preserved the domaine's identity while allowing for careful evolution in both vineyard management and cellar practices.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Gripa manages approximately 16 hectares of vineyards split between the Saint-Péray and Saint-Joseph appellations. In Saint-Péray, the domaine works with parcels planted on limestone and granite soils, primarily growing Marsanne with smaller amounts of Roussanne. These vineyards produce the estate's white wines, including their "Les Figuiers" and "Le Biales" cuvées. The Saint-Joseph holdings feature the characteristic granite soils of the appellation, with vineyards situated on steep slopes that require manual cultivation. Here, Syrah dominates for red wine production, while small parcels are dedicated to Marsanne and Roussanne for the domaine's Saint-Joseph Blanc. Many of the vines are mature, with some parcels exceeding 40 years of age. The vineyards' northern Rhône location provides a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, creating conditions that allow for proper ripening while maintaining freshness in the resulting wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Fabrice Gripa employs traditional winemaking methods informed by modern understanding. In the vineyards, work is conducted with respect for the soil and environment, focusing on low yields to ensure concentration and quality. Harvest is performed by hand, with careful sorting to select only the healthiest fruit. For white wines, Gripa utilizes whole-cluster pressing followed by fermentation in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The whites typically undergo partial malolactic fermentation and are aged on their lees to develop complexity. Red wines are partially destemmed, with fermentation in concrete tanks before aging in a mix of new and used French oak barrels for 12-18 months. Fabrice avoids excessive new oak, preferring to let the terroir characteristics shine through. The domaine's approach balances tradition with precision, producing wines that reflect their Northern Rhône origins while showing remarkable balance and aging potential.