Rostaing, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Rostaing is a family-owned Northern Rhône estate managing 7-8 hectares of vineyards in Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu, crafting Syrah-based wines from steep, terraced sites with distinctive schist and granite soils. Their winemaking balances tradition with measured modernity through partial stem inclusion during fermentation and judicious oak aging, maintaining hands-on viticulture practices that allow clear expression of their exceptional terroirs.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Rostaing stands as a significant producer in the Northern Rhône Valley of France, specifically within the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation. The estate's modern incarnation took shape when René Rostaing married the daughter of Albert Dervieux, a respected Côte-Rôtie producer. René began producing wines in the 1970s on a part-time basis while maintaining another profession.
The domaine experienced a transformative expansion in the late 1980s and early 1990s when René inherited important vineyard holdings from both his father-in-law Albert Dervieux and from Marius Gentaz-Dervieux, consolidating these distinguished parcels under the Rostaing name. This inheritance significantly elevated the estate's standing and potential.
In recent years, a generational transition has occurred with René's son, Pierre Rostaing, taking over management of the family business. This transition took place during the 2010s, with Pierre gradually assuming greater responsibilities. Throughout this evolution, the estate has maintained its family ownership and operation, preserving continuity in its approach to viticulture and winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Rostaing's vineyard holdings encompass some of Côte-Rôtie's most distinguished terroirs, including prized parcels in the renowned La Landonne and Côte Blonde vineyards. The estate also maintains holdings in the nearby Condrieu appellation. The total estate comprises approximately 7-8 hectares of vineyards characterized by the steep slopes typical of the region, with schist and granite soils that define the Côte-Rôtie landscape.
The domaine later expanded its operations beyond the Northern Rhône to include vineyard property in the Languedoc region, specifically at a site called Puech Noble.
The estate's wine portfolio centers on Côte-Rôtie, produced primarily from Syrah grapes, occasionally incorporating small amounts of Viognier as permitted by appellation regulations. Their Condrieu offering is made exclusively from Viognier, as mandated by that appellation's laws. Key wines in the Rostaing collection include single-vineyard expressions from "La Landonne" and "Côte Blonde," each reflecting their distinct terroirs. The domaine also produces "Ampodium," previously labeled as "Classique" (renamed in the 2000s), which blends fruit from various Côte-Rôtie parcels.
The stylistic approach at Rostaing tends toward the traditional end of the spectrum while incorporating thoughtful modern elements, emphasizing elegance and clear expression of place.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Rostaing's winemaking approach balances traditional methods with selective modern techniques. The estate employs partial stem inclusion during fermentation, a practice that varies according to the specific vintage conditions and the intended character of each cuvée.
The aging regimen typically involves French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak that generally ranges from 10-30% of the barrels used. This careful oak integration supports the wines' structure without overwhelming their inherent character. Fermentation processes likely incorporate temperature control to preserve aromatic qualities, with traditional pump-overs to manage extraction.
The winemaking philosophy at Rostaing focuses on allowing the distinctive terroirs of their vineyard holdings to express themselves clearly in the finished wines. While the domaine is not widely recognized for organic or biodynamic certification, they maintain viticultural practices aimed at quality production and respect for their exceptional vineyard sites.