Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE CHIROULET: A PIONEER IN THE PRODUCTION OF GASCON RED WINES

Domaine Chiroulet: Tradition, Innovation, and a Commitment to Excellence

A Legacy Spanning Over a Century

The story of Domaine Chiroulet is deeply rooted in history, with the Fezas family tending to this South-Western French vineyard for over a century and a half. Philippe Fezas, the current steward of this 45-hectare estate, has been at the helm for nearly 25 years, continuing the legacy passed down through five generations.

Elevating Wine to Its Highest Potential

Philippe’s journey into the world of viticulture began in California and Bordeaux, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for barrel aging, a practice he had been intrigued by since his adolescence. His experiences in Bordeaux, particularly his interactions with seasoned professionals, deepened his understanding of the intricate relationship between wine and wood. Philippe sees barrel aging as a way to "elevate a wine to its highest possible potential." Beyond his role as a vigneron, Philippe also serves as a consulting expert for the renowned cooperage Seguin Moreau, advising prestigious estates on how to elevate their wines.

"What Our Land Knows, Our Wines Tell You"

Situated on the highest hills of Gascony at 180 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Domaine Chiroulet thrive in the heart of the Ténarèze terroir, a region traditionally known for producing Armagnac. This terroir, rich in limestone soils, was once predominantly associated with white wines. However, about two decades ago, visionary winemakers in the region, including Philippe, began to see its potential for red wine production.

When Philippe took over the family estate, he was determined to transform its white wine-focused vineyards into a land of red wines. Today, his vision has come to fruition, with 40% of Domaine Chiroulet's production now dedicated to red wines under the IGP Côtes de Gascogne label. Among the notable wines is the Grande Réserve, a red wine that perfectly captures the essence of the estate’s old vines. It boasts aromas of red and black fruits like cherry, morello cherry, and blackcurrant, complemented by delicate hints of wood, spice, and mocha.

In addition to his red wines, Philippe is dedicated to maximizing the potential of his terroir by crafting white wines that highlight floral and mineral aromas. "What our land knows, our wines tell you," he says. A prime example is the Côte d'Heux, a racy white wine with mineral and smoky notes, coupled with exotic fruit aromas. The Domaine also produces a unique wine made using the passerillage technique—a method of achieving over-ripeness through natural air drying of the grapes—such as the Vent d'Hiver cuvée, which delights with notes of dried apricot and candied lemon.

Despite the wide variety of wines he produces, Philippe remains focused on his primary goal: creating wines that are distinctive, complex, and refreshingly vibrant. Drawing inspiration from his time in Bordeaux, he likens his work to the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, viewing his grapes as raw material that he shapes into wines of exceptional quality. "When you operate in a context of excellence, you only want to apply it to yourself," he reflects.

Biodiversity and Future Oenotourism Projects

Philippe's passion extends beyond winemaking to include a deep respect for the biodiversity surrounding his vineyards. Together with his team, he has established an ecosystem that includes tree planting and hedge reintroduction to protect the local fauna. Looking ahead, Philippe plans to leverage this natural environment for oenotourism, envisioning the creation of educational trails and ampelography (the study of grapevines) pathways. This vision, still in development, promises to offer visitors a deeper connection with the land and its wines.

With a dedication to tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship, Domaine Chiroulet continues to be a beacon of quality in the Gascony wine region.