This story starts in March 2023, when Mathilde and Xavier decide to leave their lives in Paris to take over the family vineyard. Mathilde’s mother, Francoise, has dedicated her life to the estate, and so did many of her ancestors.

At the heart of the Rhône Valley, Domaine Crozes Granier entered a chapter led by youth, passion, and respect for nature. 

A Family Legacy Since 1895

The domaine was created by the family in 1895, and covers 15 hectares spread across the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, and Côtes du Rhône appellations. An exceptional legacy with around 60% of old vines on the vineyard, allows Mathilde and Xavier to give their wines depth and complexity. Now working on their third vintage, Mathilde and Xavier are proud to carry forward the family legacy and terroir, blending tradition with innovation to bring fresh energy and ideas to the estate.

Committed to Organic and Sustainable Viticulture

Certified organic since 2011, Domaine Crozes Granier is also looking to develop its sustainable and organic practices in agriculture further. The couple works gently with their vines — favouring manual work over mechanical intervention to protect fragile soils and old vines.

Topping (removing the upper section of the vine) is done by hand, and harvesting is manual across all appellations, including Lirac and Cotes du Rhone (it is already mandatory in Chateauneuf-du-Pape). They see this as an investment in both the land and the quality of their grapes.

When visitors come to the domaine, Mathilde always offers to show them the difference between organic and conventionally farmed plots — the vitality of the soil, the health of the leaves, and the life buzzing among the vines speak for themselves. While organic viticulture is hard work and more expensive, for them this is the right choice, and they would never go back.

A New Generation with Fresh Ideas

Mathilde and Xavier are part of a new wave of young winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Lirac — a close-knit community that shares ideas, support, and a desire to move their appellations forward. They are proudly working with and for their peers to preserve local traditions while encouraging innovation.

A Wine Close to Their Hearts

Among their range, the couple’s favourite is their Lirac 2023 — their very first vintage, and one that has already earned multiple awards. Made from Syrah and Cinsault, it’s a wine of pure pleasure and generosity, with freshness, depth, and a great ageing potential. For Mathilde and Xavier, it is a special cuvée which symbolises their leap of faith —  as a few months ago, they had no experience in winemaking.

Hourlier Wines is proud to share the wines of Domaine Crozes Granier — showing family heritage, organic commitment, and the spirit of a new generation in the Rhône Valley.