Who makes it
In 2002, when his father and uncle split the family domaine among their children, Laurent Fayolle took control of seven hectares. He is the sixth generation to run the estate. His first action was to convert everything to organic farming, and the domaine has earned AB organic certification.
Fayolle's cellar uses soft extraction, concrete vessels, and minimal new wood. Soft extraction means gentler handling during fermentation, while concrete and limited new wood keep the cellar approach light.
Where it grows
Domaine Fayolle is based in Gervans, a village in the Northern Rhône. Its wines carry AOC names, and an AOC ties a bottle to a regulated geographical origin and production framework. The domaine works across Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and Saint-Péray, three appellations that organise the range.
What they make
The named wines include Crozes-Hermitage Les Pontaix and Clos les Cornirets. Crozes-Hermitage Les Pontaix is associated with substantial ageing potential in its 2022 vintage. The range therefore includes both appellation wines and named cuvées within the three AOC categories.
The 2022 Clos les Cornirets has fine spices on the nose with floral red cherry fruit.