Pierre Usseglio
Summary
Domaine Pierre Usseglio is a second-generation family estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with 24 hectares of vineyards across prestigious sites like La Crau and Piedlong, producing primarily Grenache-based wines from 80-year-old vines grown in the region's characteristic galets roulés. The Usseglio brothers maintain traditional methods including sustainable farming and manual harvesting while employing thoughtful adaptations in their winemaking, prioritizing terroir expression through careful blending and varied aging regimens tailored to each cuvée.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Pierre Usseglio was established in 1948 by Francis Usseglio, an Italian immigrant from Piedmont who settled in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the 1930s. Initially working as a vineyard laborer on various estates in the region, Francis gradually acquired his own parcels of land, laying the foundation for what would become a significant family domaine. His son Pierre took over operations in the 1960s, expanding the estate's holdings and building its reputation within the appellation.
Today, the domaine is directed by Pierre's sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio, who assumed control in the 1990s. Under their leadership, the estate has grown to encompass approximately 24 hectares of vineyards. Jean-Pierre primarily oversees vineyard management, while Thierry focuses on winemaking operations, though both brothers collaborate closely on all aspects of production. The third generation has begun to integrate into the family business, with Thierry's son maintaining the family's winemaking tradition.
Vineyards & Wines
Pierre Usseglio's 24 hectares of vineyards are distributed across multiple parcels throughout Châteauneuf-du-Pape, providing access to diverse terroirs that contribute complexity to their wines. Their holdings include plots in notable sectors such as La Crau, Piedlong, and Les Serres. The vineyards feature the region's characteristic galets roulés—large, heat-retaining stones—along with sandy soils and clay substrates that provide different expressions of the appellation's character.
The plantings are dominated by Grenache (approximately 80%), complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and small quantities of other permitted varieties. For their white wines, they cultivate Clairette, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. Many of their vines are mature, with some Grenache parcels exceeding 80 years of age.
The domaine produces several cuvées, with their traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge and blanc forming the foundation of their portfolio. Their premium offerings include "Cuvée de Mon Aïeul," made primarily from old-vine Grenache from specific parcels, and "Réserve des Deux Frères," their top cuvée produced only in exceptional vintages. They also produce a Côtes du Rhône and a Lirac from vineyards outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
Philosophy & Practice
The Usseglio brothers maintain a traditional approach to viticulture and winemaking while incorporating modern techniques where beneficial. In the vineyards, they practice sustainable farming with careful canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvest is conducted manually, with rigorous sorting to select only the healthiest fruit.
Their winemaking methodology varies by cuvée but generally involves partial destemming, with some whole-cluster fermentation depending on the vintage and wine. Fermentations occur in concrete tanks, with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity and avoid harsh tannins. Aging protocols differ among their wines: the traditional cuvée matures primarily in concrete tanks and large oak foudres, while "Cuvée de Mon Aïeul" sees aging in a combination of foudres and demi-muids. The "Réserve des Deux Frères" receives the most extensive barrel aging, typically in a combination of new and used French oak.
The Usseglios focus on expressing the distinctive character of their terroirs rather than imposing a predetermined style. Their approach balances respect for Châteauneuf-du-Pape traditions with pragmatic adaptations to each vintage's unique conditions, resulting in wines that reflect both their family heritage and the classic attributes of this historic appellation.