Domaine Famille Gallet — A Burgundy-inspired newcomer in the heart of Côte-Rôtie
A new name that has quietly established itself among the greats. Frédéric Gallet developed his expertise alongside some of the biggest names in the Northern Rhône — first as chef de cave at François Villard, later as winegrower and grape supplier for Stéphan Ogier. In 2022, together with his son Maxence, he took the step of vinifying the family parcels under their own label. Until then, the grapes were sold to local négociants; today, the family keeps 25% for its own production. The result is a micro-production of just 5,000 bottles per year, spread across 3 hectares in the heart of Côte-Rôtie and 1 hectare of IGP vines in neighboring Tupin-Semons.
What sets these wines apart is their stylistic signature: Gallet works with a level of precision more commonly associated with Burgundy than with the Rhône. Cold pre-maceration, gentle pump-overs, restrained use of oak (older Saury foudres for the reds, Tonnellerie Rousseau barrels for the whites) — everything is aimed at purity and finesse. Côte-Rôtie as it was meant to be in its most elegant form.
That critics are taking notice is evident from the Decanter tasting notes by Matt Walls (July 2024). The entire 2023 range received high praise, with La Brocarde standing out at 97 points — a remarkable score for an estate that has only been bottling under its own label for two years.