Domaine Barge - Partner guide
Comptoir des Millésimes

Today we'd like to introduce you to our partner winemaker: Domaine Barge. ?

Despite his young age, he was nearing the end of his school career, Julien Barges decided to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, while preserving the values of the family tradition. Now the owner, he decided to take over the family business. Over the years, the estate has grown in popularity and become a benchmark. Like his father Gilles Barges, Julien Barges was above all keen to keep his wines secret.

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A family story

? Winegrowers since 1860, the barge generations have inherited the domaine barge until today. They benefit from 5.70 hectares of cote rôtie, 1 hectare of Condrieu and 1.50 hectares of st joseph. The heritage has been handed down from father to son, and today Julien manages the family business. They have joined forces to produce wine of the highest quality, in keeping with their values. Each cuvée reflects the tradition, in particular the Cuvée du Plessy on the Cote Blonde, but also the Cuvée du Comblard and the Cuvée Brune. Thanks to his specialized oenology school and his experience in the wine trade, Gilles has been able to integrate his family's aspirations. Since working with his father, he has taken the time to prepare the future of the domaine. He wanted to bring his own touch to the domaine, but with a more modern edge. Gilles has also had the chance to perfect some old habits, such as reducing sulfur, but he has also banned fining and filtration.

 

Domaine Barge now

? In 2019, Gilles and Alice are retiring and entrusting the estate to their son Julien Barges. He is now in charge of vinification. The Gilles Barges estate produces cote rôtie in a traditional, fresh and solid style. The grapes are fermented in their entirety, with no need for de-stemming, except in complicated vintages. The vines are over 50 years old, and the oldest vines were grown at Baleyat in 1946. Vinification takes place in vats of various sizes: 228 liters, 550 liters of demi-muids and used oak barrels ranging from 12 to 25 hectoliters. Jules' commitment as a winemaker is to be modern and to continue the family traditions.

 

The great wines of Domaine Barge

 

  • Cote-Rôtie Le Combard 

After the first vintage of Cote-Brune, Gilles designed the combard, from a south-facing site facing the village of Ampuis. It had been neglected since the First World War. As a child, Gilles used to hike in the Combard, but he only became familiar with the characteristics of this terroir when he started making wine. The area is quite delicate due to the presence of large glaciers. After 20 years of hard work, the terraces were rebuilt and the upper slope could be accessed. In 2009, the Combard terroir achieved a blend with a savory pepper that goes wonderfully with the floral character of its 8% Viognier. The blending of these two flavors gives Côte-Rôtie a distinctive taste unlike any other.

 

  • Côte-Rôtie Cote Blonde - Domaine Barge

Comprising 14 hectares, it is very special. It faces south/southeast. It was planted in 1947 and 1952. Intense aromas of violets, black fruits, spices and a hint of smoke. Thanks to Gilles' hard work, the family estate has become a success. He knows how to emphasize his admiration for this cuvée, and how to improve the quality of his work. No synthetic products or added weedkillers. Although successful, it still needs time to develop.

 

  • Côte-Rôtie Cote Brune - Domaine Barge

Cuvée parcellaire produced since the retirement of his grandfather, Pierre. Long recognized as the cellar's best wine. Julien has composed a wine with notes of cocoa mixed with black olive: Cuvée parcellaire du lieu dit Côte Brune. The attack is full-bodied, supple and silky, and the black fruits develop without restraint. But the final result is still under the influence of the long, twenty-four-month barrel ageing, and the tannins are a little harsh. You'll have to wait 3-4 years for a better taste. Vinified from whole bunches of grapes, this wine has a slightly powdery nose. Behind, a pretty fruit evolves on black olive. The palate is voluminous but fresh, with tannins that show a hint of bitterness, accompanying the power of the côte brune.

 

  • Côte-Rôtie Cuvée du Plessy - Domaine Barge

Notes of bouquet garni, roasted meats, spice box, raspberries, black cherries and sassafras are all present in this medium-weight Cote Rotie. Cellaring : 5 to 10 years
This wine was born in 1978 and is the result of a collaboration with Joseph du Plessy, his neighbor, who comes from a pioneering family. Vines on the Côte Blonde were planted in the 1940s. Gilles carried out the vinification and bottling. This fine wine was a hit with the public. Marius Gentaz ordered more cote rôtie in 1982, following the recommendations of domaine Barge. While running the domaine in 1994, Gilles wanted to add his own touch to make better use of the Plessy fruit.

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