Domaine Pierre Gonon — The wild elegance of great Saint-Joseph

Based in Mauves, at the historical heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation, Domaine Pierre Gonon is one of the most revered names in the Northern Rhône. Since the 1980s, brothers Jean and Pierre Gonon have guided the family estate to cult status, crafting red and white wines of purity and elegance in small quantities.

Their vineyards, farmed organically, lie on steep granite slopes and are worked entirely by hand. Each plot is vinified separately to preserve terroir identity and expression.

Philosophy and winemaking

The winemaking is minimalist and precise. Grapes are harvested late for optimal ripeness, fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats, and aged in old barrels (never new oak) for 12 to 18 months. Nothing is rushed, nothing is forced — just grapes, soil, and time.

No additives, no interventions — only gentle maceration and careful aging to preserve the soul of the wine.

Wine style

Gonon wines are beautifully balanced between depth and tension. The red Saint-Josephs express Syrah with clarity: black fruit, violet, white pepper, and fine-grained tannins. The whites (mostly Marsanne with a touch of Roussanne) are saline, textured, and structured for aging. Every wine from the domaine is defined by drinkability, purity, and age-worthy complexity.

Signature cuvées

• Saint-Joseph Rouge – Precise, mineral Syrah from granite soils. A cult wine, deep and elegant.

• Saint-Joseph Blanc – Rich yet focused Marsanne, saline and structured.

• Les Oliviers (Blanc) – A rare, tension-driven white from select plots.

• Chasselas de l’Airel – Light, zesty Vin de France with natural charm.

A quiet legend of the Northern Rhône

Domaine Pierre Gonon is a discreet powerhouse in the Rhône, producing soulful, honest wines that stand the test of time. Their Saint-Josephs are among the most sought-after in France — a masterclass in authenticity, patience, and respect for place.