After writing about my journey through the winding roads of the northern Rhône on my Substack (you can read about it Here), the real adventure began when I arrived at Domaine Faury. Located along the steep, narrow valley of the Rhône, Domaine Faury stands out as one of the region’s most artisanal producers, and I was eager to explore what awaited me.
Driving through the steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph, the vineyards looked as if they were clinging to the hillsides for dear life, a true testament to the dedication it takes to produce wine in this region. Hopefully someday I can see these daredevils during harvest. After a long drive, I finally arrived at the domaine, ready for an afternoon of incredible northern Rhône wines.
When I walked into the cellar, I was greeted by Lionel Faury, who had recently taken over the reins from his father, Philippe. Despite my solo status, Lionel was generous with his time and took me through an extensive lineup of wines. He spoke English quite well, having what I perceived as an Australian accent. The tasting started with his Condrieu, a wine I had always admired for its vibrant floral aromas and texture. Lionel's version was no exception, offering a beautiful balance of richness and freshness—everything you hope for in a Viognier.
Next, we moved through his Saint-Josephs, including the Saint-Joseph Rouge Vieilles Vignes “Gloriette”. This wine was a revelation for me. I had always found Saint-Joseph to be a bit hit or miss mainly due to the overexpansion of the region, but this one stood out for its depth and complexity. Grown on steep, terraced slopes and aged for 15 months in oak demi-muids and barrels, it showcased the full potential of the Syrah grape with its dark fruit, peppery spice, and a structure that promised even more evolution in the bottle. I couldn’t resist purchasing a few bottles to take home.
The Côte-Rôtie was next, a wine I had long revered. The steep vineyards of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde were visible from the drive earlier, and now, in the glass, they came alive. Lionel’s Côte-Rôtie "Revinscence" was elegant yet powerful, with layers of black fruit, olive tapenade, and the hallmark smoky, meaty notes that make the wines of this appellation so unique. Yes, I like bacon in my wine.
What made the experience even more meaningful was Lionel’s hands-on approach. Everything at Domaine Faury is done with care and intention, from the gentle grape pressing to the minimal use of new oak. Lionel explained how he prefers larger oak formats to preserve the purity of the fruit—a philosophy that really came through in the wines.
As we talked more about the terroir, Lionel pointed out the samples of the Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu soils he keeps on display. The contrast between the two terroirs was striking, and it was easy to understand how the granite soils of Saint-Joseph and the mica-schist soils of Côte-Rôtie influence the wines in such profound ways.
I left Domaine Faury feeling exhilarated. Not only had I experienced some of the finest wines the northern Rhône has to offer, but I had also deepened my understanding of the region’s unique terroirs and the people who work tirelessly to express them. The wines of Domaine Faury are not only a reflection of the land but also of Lionel’s passion and dedication to his craft. It was the perfect way to conclude a solo adventure through one of France’s most revered wine regions.
For those curious about the full story of how I made my way down to the northern Rhône, check out my Substack article Here. It’s a tale of solo travel, overcoming nerves, and embracing the thrill of discovering new wines on my own terms.
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