Tunnel, Domaine du
Summary
Domaine du Tunnel is a small family-operated estate founded by Stéphane Robert in the late 1990s, producing Syrah-based reds from Cornas and Saint-Joseph alongside Marsanne and Roussanne whites from Saint-Péray's limestone and clay soils in France's Northern Rhône Valley. Robert ages his wines in a repurposed railway tunnel that provides natural temperature control, while employing traditional Northern Rhône winemaking techniques including selective destemming and careful oak aging to preserve authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine du Tunnel was established by Stéphane Robert in the late 1990s (with some sources suggesting as early as 1994) in the Northern Rhône Valley of France. The domaine takes its name from an old railway tunnel located on the property, which Robert now utilizes for aging and storing his wines. This natural cave structure provides consistent temperature conditions beneficial for wine maturation.
Stéphane Robert serves as both owner and winemaker of this family-operated estate. Under his direction, Domaine du Tunnel has developed a focused portfolio of wines from three distinct Northern Rhône appellations. The domaine maintains its headquarters in the town of Saint-Péray, from which Robert manages operations across his vineyard holdings.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine du Tunnel's vineyard holdings span three prestigious Northern Rhône appellations: Saint-Péray, Cornas, and Saint-Joseph. Each terroir contributes distinct characteristics to the resulting wines.
The Cornas parcels are situated on the appellation's characteristic steep granite slopes, where Syrah thrives in this demanding terrain. These vineyards produce structured, full-bodied red wines that showcase the powerful expression of Syrah from this appellation.
In Saint-Joseph, the domaine also cultivates Syrah for red wine production. These wines typically present a different expression of the variety compared to the Cornas bottlings, often showing more immediate accessibility while maintaining Northern Rhône character.
The Saint-Péray vineyards feature limestone and clay soils that provide an ideal environment for white wine production. Here, Robert grows Marsanne and Roussanne grapes, which are crafted into both still white wines and traditional sparkling wines, for which the Saint-Péray appellation has historical significance.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine du Tunnel employs traditional vinification methods adapted to each wine style and appellation. For red wine production, Robert follows classic Northern Rhône approaches, with partial or complete grape destemming depending on vintage conditions.
The aging process incorporates a combination of vessels, with portions of the wine matured in oak barrels of varying ages. The railway tunnel that gives the domaine its name serves a practical purpose in this process, offering natural temperature regulation for optimal wine development.
For white wine production, fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, allowing for both freshness and complexity in the finished wines. This balanced approach to winemaking reflects Robert's commitment to expressing the distinctive terroirs of his Northern Rhône vineyards while maintaining the regional traditions of these historic appellations.