Emmanuel Darnaud

Emmanuel Darnaud is one of the most likeable and enthusiastic vignerons in the northern Rhône. He is also fortunate enough to have Bernard Faurie, the legendary Hermitage producer, as a father-in-law.

Based in Pont De L’Isère, in the south of the appellation, he has now accumulated 15 hectares, on what he identifies as six differing terroirs. The 6 parcels are vinified separately and allowed three different ageing regimes, in oak of three different sizes (hence the name of his top wine Les Trois Chenes). 

His powerful Crozes Hermitage are rich, relatively tannic and with good levels of balancing acidity, beguiling notes of tapenade and sweet blackberry. They are matured in 50% new oak casks.

Since his first vintage in 2001, Darnaud has developed a style of brightly fruited Crozes wine with a seductive bouquet and almost ethereal scent that combines olives, violets and blackberries.