Xavier Gerard
Summary
Xavier Gerard operates a modest 3.5-hectare family domaine in Chavanay, producing approximately 1,000 cases annually of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu from exceptional granite and schist vineyard sites across both appellations. His winemaking balances traditional methods with technical precision, employing partial stem inclusion for Syrah, limited new oak, and a hands-on approach that has successfully transformed his family's grape-growing business into a respected Northern Rhône producer.
Heritage & Leadership
Xavier Gerard represents the continuation of a family winegrowing tradition in the Northern Rhône Valley. Based in Chavanay, the Gerard family has cultivated vines in this region for generations. Xavier took over management of the family domaine in the early 2000s, transforming what was primarily a grape-growing operation into a full wine production estate. Prior to Xavier's leadership, the family sold most of their harvest to négociants and larger producers in the region.
The domaine remains modest in scale, reflecting the traditional family-operated model common in the Northern Rhône. Xavier works alongside family members, maintaining direct involvement in all aspects of production from vineyard management to winemaking. Under his direction, the domaine has expanded its bottled wine production and established a reputation for wines that express the distinct terroirs of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu.
Vineyards & Wines
Xavier Gerard's holdings span approximately 3.5 hectares across the appellations of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. In Côte-Rôtie, the domaine manages parcels in both the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune sectors, with vines planted on steep granite and schist slopes. These vineyards feature the traditional Syrah grape, with small amounts of Viognier co-planted in some parcels following regional tradition.
The Condrieu vineyards, dedicated exclusively to Viognier, are situated on granite-based soils that provide the mineral foundation characteristic of the appellation. The domaine's parcels include sites in the lieu-dit of Chéry, one of Condrieu's recognized premier terroirs. These south and southeast-facing slopes benefit from optimal sun exposure while granite soils provide drainage essential for Viognier cultivation.
The domaine produces a focused range of wines including Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Production volumes remain small, with approximately 1,000 cases produced annually across all appellations. The limited production reflects both the small vineyard holdings and the low yields typical of these steep vineyard sites.
Philosophy & Practice
Xavier Gerard adheres to traditional winemaking methods while incorporating precise techniques to enhance terroir expression. In the vineyards, work is predominantly manual due to the steep slopes that characterize the Northern Rhône. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winery.
For Côte-Rôtie, Gerard employs partial stem inclusion during fermentation, varying the percentage based on vintage conditions. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 18-24 months. New oak is used judiciously, typically comprising 25-30% of the barrel program to avoid overwhelming the wine's natural character.
The Condrieu undergoes gentle pressing followed by fermentation and aging in a combination of stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels. This approach preserves the aromatic qualities of Viognier while providing textural development through limited oak contact.
Gerard's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard site to express its characteristics through the finished wines. Sulfur additions are kept to necessary minimums, and filtration is light or avoided when possible. This approach results in wines that reflect both the vintage conditions and the specific terroir of their origin within these historic Northern Rhône appellations.