A journey to the heart of the vineyards: to Crozes-Hermitage, THE Domaine The Entrefaux are wreaking havoc!

The sun is far from rising when the Cavissima team sets off towards Crozes-Hermitage. Early in the morning and throughout the journey, the excitement is palpable: the idea of discovering a new gem thrills us! Join us on a trip to the heart of the northern Rhône Valley, to discover the Domaine Entrefaux.

THE Domaine From Entrefaux to Crozes-Hermitage

A lovely family story

François Tardy, winemaker and owner of domaine welcomes us to this domaine family. In 5 generations, the domaine It has expanded considerably and now includes 26 hectares of vineyards.

Before the appellation was established in 1937, the estate produced a vast majority of white wines. The labels then bore the designation "Vin Blanc de Mercurol" and the wines were made from Roussanne grapes. At the time, the domaine practiced mixed farming, including livestock breeding as well as the production of apricots and cereals. The wine was then vinified and distributed by the Tain l'Hermitage cooperative winery. In the 1990s, François took over the domaine from his father, with his wife Anne. He leaves the cooperative winery and considerably develops the domaine. He gradually acquired plots of land full of potential after a thorough study of the soils and terroirs. Today, he works organically and biodynamically on his 27 hectares (7 hectares of Marsanne and Roussanne and 20 hectares of Syrah) to bring out the best in Crozes-Hermitage !

Grapes are not the only treasure of Domaine Entrefaux. For the past few years, François has been planting truffle oaks and cultivating this exceptional fungus with passion. We quickly realize that this cheerful and passionate winemaker has many wonderful surprises in store for us!

A diverse appellation and terroirs

After introductions, we got in the car and headed towards the vineyards. A few turns later, we arrived at the top of the terraces of the domaine, on the plot The PendsFacing the hill of Saint-Péray and very close to the Hermitage hill, the vineyards unfold beneath our feet. François introduces us to the main characteristics of the Northern Rhône Valley appellation. It produces red and white wines from three grape varieties: Syrah, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The vineyard extends along the left bank of the Vienne River, very close to the (renowned) Hermitage hillside. Jean-François explains that when it was created in 1937, the appellation was limited to the single commune of Crozes-Hermitage. Since then, and after an in-depth study of the soils and plots, 10 other surrounding communes have joined the appellation. Two quite distinct terroirs stand out:

• To the north lies the historic terroir of the appellation. The wind rushes through the vines, drying the soils. The hillsides are bathed in sunshine and benefit from considerable coolness in summer, even experiencing bitter cold in winter. This is the steepest part of the appellation, with sandy and loess soils.
• To the south, the climat The climate remains semi-continental but with a strong Mediterranean influence. Sunshine is abundant, and summers are hot and dry. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year and can be significant in late summer. The soils are composed of rounded pebbles and red clay. The vineyards are laid out on plateaus or terraces.

THE domaine It has as many hectares in the south as in the north. The north being later, this allows the teams to harvest each of the plots at maturity, without being pressed for time.

The wine cellar: between respect for tradition and innovation

The tour continues and we visit the cellars of domaine. The harvested grapes are transported and transferred to concrete vats, along with a portion of whole bunches. A few pump-overs are performed to ensure gentle extraction.

The wines are then aged in barrels, amphorae, or egg-shaped containers. François explains that he does not use new barrels in order to avoid imparting any unwanted character to the wines while still giving them roundness and plenty of volume.

For the past two vintages, he has also been experimenting with aging in amphorae. This container allows the wine to be completely isolated from oxygen and preserves the crispness, purity of the fruit, and freshness in the final wine.

The white wines are aged in egg-shaped containers to allow the minerality of the terroir to express itself as fully as possible. This container brings freshness, tension, and crispness to the wines.

Wine tasting from domaine

One appellation and multiple expressions of the terroir

All these explanations make our mouths water, and we head to the cellar for a tasting of the wines from domaine. THE Crozes-Hermitage White of the domaine 2020 This is a great introduction. It's a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. These two grape varieties complement each other: the former provides structure and the latter roundness to the wine. La cuvée It is aged for one year in vats and eggs. We are captivated by the pear notes on the nose. The palate is lively and fresh with a striking minerality. The aromas of yellow fruit linger in a mouthwatering finish—it's remarkable! We move on to the reds with the Pends 2019This plot of land was reclaimed from numerous neighboring properties. Today, the vineyard covers 2.5 hectares of hillside slopes with young Syrah vines. The wine is aged for 12 months in barrels that have held wine twice or more. This aging process adds structure and roundness without overpowering the wine's aromas. Crisp, red fruit flavors unfold with great gusto. 

The tasting ends with Les Machonnières 2017This plot of land is located on a plateau at the highest point of the appellation. Crozes-Hermitage. This late-ripening terroir includes vieilles vignes Syrah grapes that root deeply in the soil. As a result, the fruit is concentrated and intense. We appreciate the character and roundness of this lovely cuvée, which offers a beautiful tannic structure. La cuvée It can be kept in a cellar for years!

Food and wine pairings

We are delighted to share a meal with François. This gives us the opportunity to taste the truffles from domaine and enjoy a delicious scrambled egg. This recipe, based on eggs and truffles, pairs equally well with white and red wines. The earthy notes are further enhanced by the robust character of the truffles. White wines offer lovely volume on the palate, rounded fruit flavors, and a delicate touch that perfectly complements fish, white meats, and cheeses. Serve it as an aperitif at around 12°C with a few appetizers, cheese gougères, goat cheese pastries, or even eggplant caviar. La cuvée will accompany you during the meal with a beautiful fillet of trout or a roast Bresse chicken. 

Les Pends will be the ideal companion to rabbits or roast poultry. Serve it at around 15°C with quail with chestnuts and a light poultry jus. The assertive character of la cuvée Les Machonnières will be perfect with duck or small game. A lovely pink duck breast and truffles will reveal the full character of the appellation.

This walk through the vineyards of Domaine The Entrefaux vineyard allowed us to make many discoveries. With François Tardy, the appellation Crozes-Hermitage offers wines that are very appealing in their youth while also possessing good aging potential. The wines of domaine They deserve a place of honor in your cellar, discover them on our website.