E. Guigal
Rhone
Address:
E. Guigal S.A.S., Route de la Taquière, Ampuis, France, Ampuis, Rest of World, France
Website:
Winemaker:
Philippe Guigal
First Vintage:
1946
PRESTIGE
4
Summary
Where 2,400 years of viticultural history converge with modern excellence, E. Guigal stands as the undisputed master of Northern Rhône winemaking. From their historic cellars in Ampuis, this legendary estate has transformed the perception of Côte-Rôtie wines, elevating them to investment-grade status coveted by collectors worldwide.
Founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, this family dynasty entered its third generation under Philippe Guigal's meticulous stewardship. The Guigal philosophy centers on extreme vineyard selection and revolutionary winemaking techniques that honor ancient terroir while embracing innovation. Philippe's obsessive attention to detail—from hand-harvesting on impossibly steep 45-degree slopes to extended aging in new French oak—has earned international recognition as the Northern Rhône's most influential winemaker.
Guigal's portfolio spans 75 hectares across the Northern Rhône's most prestigious appellations, producing legendary single-vineyard Côte-Rôties including La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque—collectively known as the 'La-La-Las.' These ultra-premium cuvées undergo 42 months of new oak aging, creating wines of extraordinary concentration and longevity. Their Hermitage Ex Voto and Condrieu La Doriane represent pinnacle expressions of Syrah and Viognier respectively. Beyond these collectible bottlings, Guigal's appellation wines from Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage offer accessible entry points into their house style, characterized by intense fruit concentration, silky tannins, and remarkable aging potential.
Visiting E. Guigal requires advance planning, as this working winery prioritizes production over tourism. Private tastings can be arranged by appointment, offering intimate access to their historic cellars carved into Ampuis hillsides. The experience includes guided tastings of current releases alongside older vintages, providing insight into how these wines evolve over decades. Philippe Guigal occasionally leads tastings personally, sharing family stories and winemaking philosophy. The tasting room overlooks the steep Côte-Rôtie vineyards, where visitors witness firsthand the extreme terrain that produces these exceptional wines.
Secure your allocation of these coveted wines through The En Primeur Club's exclusive partnerships. Contact our wine specialists to arrange private tastings and reserve limited-production bottles that define Northern Rhône excellence.
