Domaine du Chêne Vert
Located in the prestigious Crozes-Hermitage appellation, Domaine du Chêne Vert is a multi-generational estate dedicated to producing terroir-driven wines with a deep respect for tradition and sustainability. Situated in La Roche-de-Glun on the renowned “des Châssis” plateau, the estate benefits from exceptional soils and a winemaking heritage spanning five generations.
A Legacy of Winemaking
The Rochas family has cultivated vineyards in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation for generations, with winemaking knowledge passed down through time. The journey began with Marius Rochas, who delivered wine in barrels to cafés in Valence. His son, Henri, transitioned the estate toward fruit farming while maintaining a small vineyard. It was Michel Rochas, born on the very grounds of the estate, who truly transformed the family’s winemaking legacy. After training at the Maison Familiale Rurale in Romans-sur-Isère, Michel took over the estate in 1967, recognizing the potential of the region’s pebble-rich terroirs. Under his leadership, the vineyard expanded from four to ten hectares, and he established Syrah as the dominant grape variety.
Michel’s son, Mickaël Rochas, joined the estate in 1995, taking the reins in 2001. Committed to sustainability, he gradually transitioned the estate to organic farming, introduced new plantings of Crozes-Hermitage reds, and pioneered the estate’s production of Marsanne and Roussanne. In 2019, his nephew, Jordan Colin, joined the domaine after gaining experience in hospitality and studying viticulture and oenology at the University of Suze-la-Rousse. Together, Mickaël and Jordan co-manage the estate, overseeing winemaking, maturing, and commercial expansion. Their shared vision led to the estate’s transition from selling grapes to cooperative producers to bottling and marketing their own wines.
Terroir & Winemaking Practices
The vineyards of Chêne Vert are rooted in a unique terroir composed of rolled pebbles in the topsoil, with gravel and sand beneath. These well-draining soils contribute to the refinement and structure of the wines, allowing the vines to thrive in a balanced ecosystem. The estate is deeply committed to organic farming, employing minimal intervention techniques to preserve the health of the vines and the purity of the fruit.
Winter pruning follows a careful, non-mutilating approach, ensuring longevity and renewal of the vines. Organic amendments are used when necessary, and natural fungal treatments include copper, sulfur, and essential oils. The soil is managed with cover crops in summer, green manure in autumn, and light plowing to maintain biodiversity. Manual harvesting and strict sorting by plot further enhance the quality of the wines.
A key aspect of the estate’s philosophy is preserving its heritage of old vines, with many plots dating back to the 1940s through the 1980s. Techniques such as coppicing and grafting in place help regenerate vine trunks and ensure the sustainability of the vineyard.
Winemaking & Aging
Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, emphasizing the natural expression of the grapes. The estate’s red wines undergo whole-cluster maceration for up to 10 days, with about one-third of the harvest left intact to achieve balance and freshness. The reds are aged for at least 12 months in oak barrels, while the whites spend six months in oak, allowing the wines to develop complexity and elegance. The use of sulfites is minimal, ensuring transparency and purity in the winemaking process.
The Wines
Chêne Vert’s wines are crafted with gastronomy in mind, designed to rival the finest expressions of Crozes-Hermitage. The red displays an intense ruby color with bright, lipid clarity. Aromas of sweet spices, violet, and ripe fruit evolve with aeration, leading to a finely chiseled palate with silky tannins and remarkable length.
The white is a light straw-yellow hue, with a bright, clear profile. The nose opens with ripe apricot, sweet spices, and hints of vanilla, complemented by a subtle mineral touch. On the palate, the wines present fresh fruit flavors, delicate minerality, and a long, persistent finish. Ideal pairings include apricot clafoutis from the Baronnies or scallop carpaccio with passion fruit vinaigrette.
A Vision for the Future
The estate produced its first bottled vintage in 2022, with an output of 6,000 bottles, growing to 13,000 in 2023. With their dedication to sustainable viticulture, respect for tradition, and a passion for excellence, Mickaël Rochas and Jordan Colin continue to shape the future of Chêne Vert Winery. Their commitment to producing world-class Crozes-Hermitage wines ensures that the legacy of the Rochas family will endure for generations to come.
Chêne Vert Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Blend: 100% Syrah
Aging: 12 months in Burgundian barrels for added complexity
Domaine du Chêne Vert’s Crozes-Hermitage Rouge is a rich, intense red with a vibrant ruby color. It opens with sweet spices, and as it aerates, it reveals an elegant violet note. The palate is finely tannic, smooth, and fresh, with coated tannins and a beautiful length, without any heaviness. This wine will gain more complexity with a few years of aging. The winemaker recommends to pair it with a rib of beef from the AOC fin gras du Mézenc either with a caillette as an aperitif or with a Valrhona chocolate coulant heart.
Chêne Vert Crozes-Hermitage Blanc
Blend: 60% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne
Aging: 6 months in Burgundian barrels for added complexity
Domaine du Chêne Vert’s Crozes-Hermitage Blanc is a vibrant and elegant white wine, blending Roussanne and Marsanne. The wine bursts with aromas of confit fruit, delicate floral notes, and subtle spice. On the palate, it balances richness and roundness with a refreshing acidity, creating a wine that’s both complex and easy to enjoy. Aged in Burgundian barrels, it picks up a hint of oak, adding depth to its rich fruit character. This wine’s bright, fresh personality makes it a perfect match for shellfish, white fish, and poultry. The vineyards, located on alluvial gravel terraces in La Roche de Glun, thrive on soils that offer excellent drainage and low water retention, contributing to the wine’s intensity and clean finish.