Domaine Yves Gangloff

Yves Gangloff is a hugely talented winemaker and is, with no exaggeration, a Rhône legend with rockstar credentials. Visiting his domaine is a completely different (and rather fantastic) experience when compared to most other estates. Great music plays, creating a lively but laid-back vibe, whilst Yves pours and chats. Energy and life fill the room, reflecting the vibrancy of his wines. These are consistently among the very best of the Northern Rhône. His popularity is legendary in France, which means that not very much of the already-diminutive production is available for the export market. Berry Bros. & Rudd are fortunate enough to have had a long-standing relationship with the great man – we are delighted to offer these wines, despite the tiny volumes.

As usual, Yves releases the wines later than most. We are therefore delighted to offer his delicious 2021 Condrieu as well as his two 2020 red cuvées: La Barbarine and La Sereine Noire. Make the most of La Sereine Noire this year, as 35% frost damage in Yves’ Côte-Rôtie yields meant that this cuvée was not made at all in 2021.

Northern Rhône blend

A Northern Rhône blend is a wine made from grapes grown in the northern part of the Rhône Valley in France. This region is known for producing some of the world’s most acclaimed and distinctive wines.

The red blends typically revolve around the Syrah (Shiraz) grape. These wines are known for their deep colour, complex aromas of dark fruits, black pepper, floral notes, and a firm tannic structure. The most famous appellations for these wines include Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas. Côte-Rôtie often incorporates a small percentage of Viognier, adding floral and aromatic elements to the wine.

In the Northern Rhône, Viognier is the primary white grape variety. Viognier-based wines from appellations like Condrieu are highly aromatic, with flavours of stone fruits, floral notes and sometimes a hint of spice. These wines are often full-bodied and have a luxurious texture.

A unique characteristic of some Northern Rhône red wines is the co-fermentation of Syrah and Viognier grapes. This process involves fermenting the two grape varieties, resulting in wines seamlessly integrating Viognier’s aromatic qualities with Syrah’s structure and depth.

Northern Rhône blends are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and terroir-driven characteristics. They are considered some of the finest examples of varietal wines produced in France and are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.