Domaine Giraud is one of the quiet powerhouses of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a family-run estate that has risen from relative obscurity to join the Rhône’s modern elite. Founded in the early 1970s by Pierre and Mireille Giraud, the domaine has, under the guidance of their children Françoise and Marie, evolved into a benchmark for purity, precision, and the authentic expression of southern Rhône terroir.
The Giraud family’s roots in Châteauneuf stretch back for generations — Pierre came from a line of distillers, while Mireille’s family owned vineyards in some of the region’s finest lieux-dits. The merging of these two legacies gave birth to Domaine Giraud, which began with just a few hectares of vines and a deep respect for traditional farming. Over time, the family expanded their holdings to around 35 hectares, including parcels in Gallimardes, Les Terres Blanches, Pignan, and Les Craus, among the appellation’s most revered sites.
The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with old vines — some over 100 years old — providing the raw material for the domaine’s richly expressive yet balanced wines. The heart of their holdings lies on galets roulés (the rounded river stones emblematic of Châteauneuf), mixed with sand and clay that lend both power and finesse to the fruit.
In the cellar, Françoise Giraud oversees winemaking with a philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum precision. Grapes are harvested by hand, fully destemmed, and vinified by parcel to preserve terroir character. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats or stainless steel, with ageing in a mix of old foudres, demi-muids, and concrete tanks — a deliberate avoidance of heavy oak to keep the fruit pure and transparent.
Stylistically, Domaine Giraud wines combine the richness and generosity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a modern clarity. They are deep and textural, filled with blackberry, garrigue, and spice, yet balanced by freshness and fine tannins. Their flagship cuvées — Les Gallimardes, Tradition, and Grenaches de Pierre — each showcase a slightly different side of the region: from opulent Grenache to structured Syrah-driven blends.
What sets Domaine Giraud apart is its clarity of vision. The wines are powerful but never overblown, luxurious but grounded in authenticity. It’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape for the modern era — expressive, soulful, and true to its roots, guided by a family that sees winemaking not as fashion, but as heritage refined.
