Domaine Pierre Usseglio

"I call them naked wines. There is no makeup."
- Robert Parker on Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Pierre Usseglio is a family founded, family ran producer in the Rhone Valley creating stunning Châteauneuf du Pape wines. The estate was erected in 1948, when Italian Francis Usseglio moved to the Rhône Valley and began making wine with his two sons, one of whom broke off and one of whom took over and renamed the estate after himself. The draw of serious winemakers to the area is mostly due to the gravel, the large pebbles that hold heat from the days and warm the vines at night serve to reduce acidity and create well-rounded flavors.

Pierre’s sons now run the property which is made up of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 2% Counoise and 2% Muscardin. Vines on the property are mostly 60 years old, the younger being about 30 years. The grapes, courtesy of the “changing of the guard” generation-wise, are completely de-stemmed. The addition of the younger Usseglios brought new techniques and some fun as well - names for limited wines they make include “Not for You”. Old vines, family owned and managed, low yield and attention to detail is an equation for Châteauneuf-du-Pape at its finest. Vintages to look out for include 1985, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2007.