In an article for Barron’s Penta, writer Abby Schultz dives into E. Guigal’s legacy and future with a story featuring third-generation winemaker Philippe Guigal, following an in-depth conversation and tasting. Schultz highlights E. Guigal’s renowned lineup of single-vineyard Côte-Rôtie wines, introducing La Reynarde as the highly anticipated fourth addition.
La Reynarde, a vineyard planted in 2010 and slated for its first release in 2026, adds a fresh chapter to the Guigal family story. Philippe explained the wine’s character as one of strength and elegance, aligning it with La Landonne’s power while carrying “an easy, more open approach,” saying, “It’s a very interesting balance—the terroir is amazing.” The vineyard, named in honor of Philippe’s twin sons, is as much a family symbol as it is an example of Guigal’s commitment to showcasing Côte-Rôtie’s unique terroir.
Schultz’s article also brings us closer to E. Guigal’s “La-La” wines: La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne, each distinct in profile yet unmistakably representative of Côte-Rôtie’s terroir.
- La Mouline is known for its finesse and “Burgundian” elegance, attributed to its origins in the Côte Blonde and the inclusion of 11% Viognier in its blend. Philippe noted that La Mouline is “the most Burgundian of the three,” with floral notes and a soft, layered profile.
- La Turque combines Côte Brune’s power with polish and spice. Philippe shared, “This wine has exotic, spicy notes but a polish that feels timeless.” Revived by Philippe’s father Marcel in 1985, La Turque includes 7% Viognier, contributing to its complex aromatics and velvety texture.
- La Landonne is a bold, structured wine with deep tannins and a “scorched earth” quality, crafted from whole clusters of Syrah grown on steep slopes. Philippe described it as “a big wine, with big tannins,” a striking contrast to the other wines in the lineup.
As for what drives the family’s dedication, Philippe explained: “In our family, it’s not a job, it’s a passion…We live with the winery, with the winemaking.” The family connection extends to the newest generation, as Philippe’s sons have shown interest in oenology and business from an early age, ensuring E. Guigal remains a family affair. Read the full story attached and embedded HERE
E. Guigal_Barron's_10.28.24Related Wines
E. Guigal
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 2020
Cote-Rotie
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is a bold, muscular expression of the Côte Brune, known for its structure, intensity, and ageability. Marcel Guigal pieced together this vineyard over a decade, buying small parcels from 17 growers before replanting it in 1975—the year of Philippe Guigal’s birth. Its steep 45-degree slope and late-ripening position at the northern end of the Côte Brune yield fruit of remarkable depth. First produced in 1978, La Landonne is the darkest and most powerful of the LaLa wines, offering a striking contrast to the finesse of La Mouline.
E. Guigal
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline 2020
Cote-Rotie
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline comes from the oldest vineyard site in the appellation, with terraces dating back 2,400 years. Acquired in 1963, it was the Guigals’ first single-vineyard Côte-Rôtie, with the debut vintage released in 1966. The one-hectare vineyard sits on the Côte Blonde and is planted with about 11% Viognier, contributing to the wine’s lifted aromatics and signature elegance. With vines averaging 90 years old, La Mouline is known for its expressive, silky style—often considered the most graceful of Guigal’s iconic trio.
E. Guigal
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque 2020
Cote-Rotie
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque was replanted in 1980 and '81 after the family acquired the site through their purchase of Vidal-Fleury. Though dormant for decades, Etienne Guigal remembered the quality of wines once made from this vineyard and led its revival, starting in 1985. La Turque occupies a unique position on the Côte Brune with soils that give the wine a rich, exotic character. Stylistically, it bridges the power of La Landonne and the elegance of La Mouline, combining intensity with seductive finesse.
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E. Guigal
Rhône Valley, France
The more you learn about the Guigal family, the more astounding becomes their story. Their wines are the benchmarks for every Rhône appellation, and over the last thirty years they have become arguably the most lauded producer in the world. Year after year the Guigal family produces wines of exceptional quality that in all classes offer exceptional value.
