THE DOMAIN
Discover our wines
HISTORY
Before being a vineyard, Domaine du Pavillon used to have hundreds of fruit trees, which gradually gave way to grapevines. In the 1960s, the Drômoise farm was transformed into a barrel cellar where the Estate’s first cuvées were produced. After the meeting between two men, the owner Stéphane Cornu and Michel Audibert, both winegrowers and passionate about wines with character, history was transformed. After several years of close collaboration, the Estate came to be owned by the Audibert family [link to site], winegrowers from father to son in Pays d’Aix for five generations.
Today, it is Guillaume Peu and JP Meuwesen, with the support of Famille Audibert, who manages the vineyard, and participates in the production of the two generous and gourmet cuvées of Domaine du Pavillon.
A place steeped in history, the Estate is home to a hunting lodge listed on the land register of Napoleon I, and from which it takes its name today.
The grapevines of Domaine du Pavillon extend over the hillsides of the great Crozes-Hermitage appellation, benefiting from a sumptuous terroir conducive to wines with character.
The
terroir
Perpetuating the tradition of the great vintages of the northern Rhône Valley, the vineyard which extends over 14 hectares in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation has a large majority of syrah, some of which are 40 years old, mounted on stakes, and some plots of roussanne and marsanne spread over 2 hectares.
The vineyard is made up of grapevines planted on southwest facing slopes, and others on plains managed with an ancestral technique of natural shade, where grapes protected from the sun ripen in the shade of their own leaves.
Grown on filtering and very stony soil, our grapes benefit from a low diurnal thermal amplitude thanks to the immense rounded pebbles and gravel that store heat during the day and release it at night. The mistral wind, very powerful in this region, also allows a drier, more ventilated atmosphere to be maintained, conducive to healthy grapes and concentrated wines.
Les Châssis
Located in the southern part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, the Les Châssis area is renowned for its alluvial soils composed of rolled pebbles, sand, and clay. This terroir, influenced by a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, provides ideal conditions for Syrah, the flagship grape of the appellation, as well as Marsanne and Roussanne for white wines.
Wines from Les Châssis stand out for their balance between power and elegance, offering aromas of black fruits, spices, and a beautiful freshness that reflects the finesse of this unique terroir.
La Colline
Located in the eastern part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, the Collines boast a diverse terroir shaped by hillsides with clay-limestone and granite soils. The altitude naturally enhances freshness, allowing for a slow ripening process that brings out exceptional aromatic expression.
This terroir produces elegant and refined wines, where Syrah reveals notes of red fruits, violet, and spices, with beautiful tension and a well-structured finesse.
The
Winemaker
JP Meuwesen
Winemaker of Domaine du Pavillon
FP comes from a renowned wine region and is a true wine enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. He is particularly drawn to these characterful wines, where Syrah reveals its full richness, balancing elegance and intensity.
For him, winemaking is more than just a profession—it’s a way to connect with the world, engage with nature, and share emotions through every bottle.
His vision? “To craft authentic and flavorful wines while minimizing additives, with a nature-friendly approach. Currently in organic conversion, he is committed to fostering biodiversity and maintaining soil balance to best express the terroir.”
Our
Organic philosophy
Despite the complicated climate conditions, we are committed to manage the vineyard with respect for its land and the surrounding nature, with a process for conversion to organic agriculture for the 2025 vintage.
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