Domaine Viret

Saint Maurice sur Eigues, Rhône

Philippe Viret

20ha. under vine
Biodynamic viticulture and ‘Cosmoculture’

Domaine Viret was founded in 1917. Since 1973 the third generation has been developing and perfecting their own method of farming which they call ‘Cosmoculture’.
Alain and Philippe Viret embraced the biodynamic teachings of Rudolf Steiner, taking them even further to harness the natural energy of their terroir. Basing the winery in the centre of the most powerful energy ley line on the property, They have also placed standing stones and crystals at crucial sites of electromagnetic importance in their vineyards and cellar. The vineyards are also planted in various ancient patterns to maximise the energy of the soil and the cosmos.
In the winery, fermentation is in concrete tanks and then, by gravity, either to concrete lined barrels, there are a small amount of old oak or Amphora. The Viret’s were the first in France to reintroduce the use of Amphora. The clay for them has been dug from their own vineyards and fired locally.

WHITE

La Coudée d'Or 2018
Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette.

Fermented and aged 2 years in concrete tanks

Horus 2017
Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Bourboulenc

Half is macerated for 6 months in stainless steel while the other macerates in amphora.

RED

Solstice rouge 2017
Mourvèdre, Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Caladoc, Marselan.

Co-fermented and matured 1 year in concrete vats

Renaissance 2015
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Long maceration (more than 30 days). Ageing 24 months in concrete vat.

Les Colonnades 2015
Grenache centenaire, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Long maceration (more than 35 days). Ageing of 36 months in concrete vats and barrels are used for the Mourvèdre

Les Colonnades 1999
Grenache centenaire, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Long maceration. Ageing of 36 months in vats and in barrels for Mourvèdre. 17 years in Bottle. A late release by the cellar.