Grillet, Chateau
Summary
Château Grillet is a singular Northern Rhône estate occupying a 3.5-hectare monopole vineyard of steep, south-facing granite terraces, producing exclusively Viognier-based white wines with distinctive apricot and floral character. Owned by the Pinault family since 2011, this rare AOC in its own right combines traditional methods with modern precision, crafting age-worthy wines through hand-harvesting and careful barrel aging.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Grillet holds the distinction of being one of France's smallest appellations, consisting of a 3.8-hectare monopole vineyard. The estate received its AOC status in 1936, recognizing its unique terroir and historical significance. The Neyret-Gachet family maintained ownership from 1827 until 2011, when François Pinault's Artémis Domaines acquired the property, adding it to a portfolio that includes several prestigious French wine estates.
Vineyards & Wines
The vineyard occupies a distinctive south-facing amphitheater in Vérin, Northern Rhône, with elevations ranging from 150 to 250 meters. The 3.8-hectare site consists entirely of Viognier vines, averaging 35 years in age, planted on granite-based soils across 54 terraced levels. This unique topography, combined with the specific soil composition, creates a microclimate particularly suited to Viognier cultivation.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Grillet maintains a focused production approach, creating a single wine under the Château Grillet AOC designation. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels. The estate produces approximately 10,000 bottles annually, reflecting the limited size of the vineyard and controlled yields. The winemaking process emphasizes preserving the distinctive characteristics of the terroir while maintaining consistent quality standards.