Vignobles Levet

Domaine Bernard Levet: The Soul of the Côte-Rôtie

THE Domaine Levet, now headed by Agnès Levet (Bernard's daughter), extends over approximately 3.5 hectares. It's a domaine on a human scale where flashy modernity is not sought, but rather the purest and wildest expression of the schist terroir.

A Land and a Philosophy "Without Compromise"

Unlike many producers who tend towards smoother, more oaky wines, the Levets remain faithful to traditional methods:

• Whole bunch: A large part of the stem (the stalk of the grape bunch) is retained during fermentation, which brings a pronounced tannic structure and a complex aromatic freshness.

• Long rearing period: The wines often spend 24 months in old barrels (demi-muids), thus avoiding the excessive taste of vanilla or new wood.

• Patience required: Their wines are not meant to be drunk "on the fruit" right away. They often require 5 to 10 years of cellaring to reveal their finesse.

The Iconic Vintages

THE domaine offers primarily three vintages, sourced from prestigious plots:

1. Amethyst: The entry-level option (which is entry-level in name only), often a blend of different plots. This is the most "accessible" profile of the domaine.

2. Maestria (formerly La Chavaroche): It is la cuvée Mythical. Originating from a very steep terroir, it offers notes of black pepper, smoked bacon and violet. A powerful, almost animalistic wine.

3. Péroline (formerly La Landonne): From the famous lieu-dit La LandonneIt is a massive, deep wine, with exceptional aging potential (20 years and more).

If you like wines with "stiffness," a complex aromatic profile of undergrowth, spices, and leather, and you have the patience to let them age, the wines of Domaine Levet are among the most sincere in the northern Rhône Valley.