The story of Domaine du Colombier began in the Northern Rhône in 1929, when the Viale family planted their first vines at the foot of the celebrated Hermitage hill. The domaine is now in the hands of third generation Florent Viale. Prior to 1992 the entire harvest was sold to négociants, but then the decision was made to estate bottle and market their own wines. Now around 16 hectares are under vine planted on 12 different vineyard plots, with 13 hectares of Syrah in Crozes, and 1.81 of Syrah and 1.9 of Marsanne in Hermitage. Some of the vines are more than 50 years old. Lutte raisonnée or “the reasoned struggle” is practised in the vineyards where they only use chemicals when absolutely necessary. Winemaking is traditional with 600 litre demi-muids used for ageing the wines, which are bottled unfined and unfiltered to retain their maximum character. Domaine du Colombier are recognised as one of the best producers of Crozes Heritage and Hermitage wines. These wines are powerful yet elegant, which may sound like a contradiction, but the intensity of the ripe fruit is beautifully balanced with a gracefully structured body - and they and very well priced!