At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Producer
- Usseglio family operation
- Appellations
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Côtes-du-Rhône, Vin de France
- Wine production
- Red and white wines
- Named cuvée
- Cuvée de Mon Aïeul
- Vineyard work
- Hand harvesting and selective sorting
The Producer
Hand harvesting and selective sorting remain estate practices at Domaine Pierre Usseglio. The family operation makes red and white wines, with red Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced in the traditional way. Since the 2001 vintage, the estate has completely destemmed its grapes. Destemming removes stems before fermentation, limiting the tannin and spice that stems can contribute.
Jean-Pierre Usseglio and Thierry Usseglio assumed management of the family estate in 1999. Gregory Usseglio now works full time in the family wine business. Raymond Usseglio, Pierre Usseglio’s brother, established Domaine Raymond Usseglio as a separate winery in 1960.
Place
The estate covers 48 hectares in total. Its Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard comprises 24 hectares spread across 17 small parcels. Another 2.5 hectares of owned vines are in the Côtes-du-Rhône and Lirac appellations, while Vin de France is also part of the estate’s appellation breakdown.
Appellation names separate wines by their regional designation on the label. Domaine Pierre Usseglio therefore works across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Côtes-du-Rhône and Vin de France, with the largest single holding divided among small Châteauneuf-du-Pape parcels.
Wines
The range includes red and white wines across four named categories. The 2023 Côtes-du-Rhône is a red wine from the broader regional end of the portfolio. Première Pierre Rouge is medium-bodied and soft, with vibrant red berry character.
The named cuvées include Cuvée de Mon Aïeul and Réserve des Deux Frères. They sit alongside the estate’s broader appellation wines as more specifically identified bottles within the range.
In The Glass
Cuvée de Mon Aïeul shows black cherry, strawberry, black raspberry, herbs, pepper and flowers on the nose. The palate is sweet, lush, juicy, peppery and concentrated, with rich, intense fruit.
Réserve des Deux Frères is among the darkest coloured wines in the range, with dark palate intensity. Its aromas include kirsch liqueur, thyme, flowers, black raspberry, smoke and espresso.
A Bottle To Understand It
Put Cuvée de Mon Aïeul first. The wine is aged for about 12 months, with half in used demi-muids and the remaining half in concrete tanks before bottling. Used demi-muids are large oak vessels that allow gradual oxygen exchange and add texture. Concrete is a neutral vessel that leaves the fruit less marked by oak.
Final Word
Domaine Pierre Usseglio joins family continuity with hand harvesting, selective sorting, complete destemming since 2001, and wines from several Rhône appellations.