Domaine Jolivet
Domaine Jolivet is one of the most interesting and dynamic entities in the winemaking landscape of the Northern Rhône Valley. Founded in 2014 by Bastien Jolivet, a young and talented winemaker, it has quickly become an emerging reference point for the Saint-Joseph appellation. The estate is located in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, one of the six historic communes of the AOC, on the right bank of the Rhône River. Before establishing his own domaine, Bastien gained valuable experience both in France—working at the renowned Domaine du Monteillet in Condrieu—and abroad, including stints in New Zealand and South Africa. His decision to stop selling grapes to the local cooperative and start bottling his own wines marked the beginning of a rapid rise, culminating in being named “Discovery of the Year 2020” at the Grand Prix de la Revue du Vin de France. In just a few years, Bastien has earned a prominent place in the French wine scene thanks to wines that combine purity, character, and extraordinary expression of their terroir.
The work in the vineyards of Domaine Jolivet is based on sustainability and respect for nature. Of the 13 hectares currently owned by the estate (which started from an initial 5 hectares), about two-thirds are farmed organically. The vineyards are spread across different areas: nine hectares in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, including crus such as Les Blaches, Palet, and the ambitious project l’Officier—a south-facing parcel recently planted with Syrah and Marsanne; an additional four hectares are located in Lemps, in the lieux-dits Chanaud and Chave, on granite soils at 350 meters above sea level. The dominant grape variety is Syrah, accompanied by a small presence of Marsanne and Roussanne for whites. The oldest vines are up to 75 years old, and according to Bastien, some may actually be Serine, an ancient and high-quality form of Syrah. Each parcel is harvested by hand and vinified separately, with spontaneous fermentations. Aging takes place in 228- and 600-liter barrels, mostly in their second or third use. The result is wines that are unfiltered (or only minimally filtered), with reduced sulfur usage, expressing energy, complexity, and authenticity.
Though white wines represent a smaller quantity, Domaine Jolivet’s whites are elegant and full of character, thanks to the balanced use of Marsanne and Roussanne. Bastien has also created a Vin de France line called “Cuvée de Louis,” produced from the granite vineyards of Lemps: fresh, vibrant wines with a more approachable style that demonstrate the versatility of the terroir. The young winemaker leaves no detail unattended, and his dedication is evident in every bottle. The careful management of terraces, respectful agricultural practices, and artisanal winemaking all contribute to creating wines that truly speak of the Rhône’s most authentic expressions and its infinite nuances. Domaine Jolivet fits perfectly within the new generation of producers redefining the region’s identity by blending traditional know-how with a modern vision. It is a winery to watch closely, destined to leave a mark on the international wine scene.
Domaine Jolivet is one of the most interesting and dynamic entities in the winemaking landscape of the Northern Rhône Valley. Founded in 2014 by Bastien Jolivet, a young and talented winemaker, it has quickly become an emerging reference point for the Saint-Joseph appellation. The estate is located in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, one of the six historic communes of the AOC, on the right bank of the Rhône River. Before establishing his own domaine, Bastien gained valuable experience both in France—working at the renowned Domaine du Monteillet in Condrieu—and abroad, including stints in New Zealand and South Africa. His decision to stop selling grapes to the local cooperative and start bottling his own wines marked the beginning of a rapid rise, culminating in being named “Discovery of the Year 2020” at the Grand Prix de la Revue du Vin de France. In just a few years, Bastien has earned a prominent place in the French wine scene thanks to wines that combine purity, character, and extraordinary expression of their terroir.
The work in the vineyards of Domaine Jolivet is based on sustainability and respect for nature. Of the 13 hectares currently owned by the estate (which started from an initial 5 hectares), about two-thirds are farmed organically. The vineyards are spread across different areas: nine hectares in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, including crus such as Les Blaches, Palet, and the ambitious project l’Officier—a south-facing parcel recently planted with Syrah and Marsanne; an additional four hectares are located in Lemps, in the lieux-dits Chanaud and Chave, on granite soils at 350 meters above sea level. The dominant grape variety is Syrah, accompanied by a small presence of Marsanne and Roussanne for whites. The oldest vines are up to 75 years old, and according to Bastien, some may actually be Serine, an ancient and high-quality form of Syrah. Each parcel is harvested by hand and vinified separately, with spontaneous fermentations. Aging takes place in 228- and 600-liter barrels, mostly in their second or third use. The result is wines that are unfiltered (or only minimally filtered), with reduced sulfur usage, expressing energy, complexity, and authenticity.
Though white wines represent a smaller quantity, Domaine Jolivet’s whites are elegant and full of character, thanks to the balanced use of Marsanne and Roussanne. Bastien has also created a Vin de France line called “Cuvée de Louis,” produced from the granite vineyards of Lemps: fresh, vibrant wines with a more approachable style that demonstrate the versatility of the terroir. The young winemaker leaves no detail unattended, and his dedication is evident in every bottle. The careful management of terraces, respectful agricultural practices, and artisanal winemaking all contribute to creating wines that truly speak of the Rhône’s most authentic expressions and its infinite nuances. Domaine Jolivet fits perfectly within the new generation of producers redefining the region’s identity by blending traditional know-how with a modern vision. It is a winery to watch closely, destined to leave a mark on the international wine scene.
