Francois Villard, Crozes Hermitage Blanc, Cour de Récré, Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile
François’ empire keeps growing, but he still keeps a tight reign on the operations, whilst being open to sharing his knowledge and passion for his region.
The recently expanded winery perched above Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, once modest in size, is now brimming with vats and barrels—yet the exceptional quality remains unwavering. François Villard’s distinguished estate, founded in 1989 by the former chef turned winemaker, has grown to encompass over 40 hectares of vineyards, alongside an additional 25 hectares sourced from trusted growers. Producing around 450,000 bottles annually, the domaine offers a diverse portfolio of 23 cuvées from some of the northern Rhône Valley’s most celebrated appellations, including Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. These wines regularly grace the tables of top restaurants worldwide, a testament to their enduring excellence.
Viticulture
This wine originates from Mercurol, specifically from the site known as Les Malfondières. The vineyard is planted predominantly with 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne grape varieties. The soil is composed of rolled pebbles, sand, and clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s character. The vines are approximately 30 years old, benefiting from mature root systems.
Winemaking
The wine is aged for 10 months on fine lees without racking, which enhances its texture and complexity. Aging takes place mainly in casks, with 90% of the wine matured in wooden casks and 10% in smaller casks, allowing for subtle oak influence and careful development.
Tasting Note
The wine presents a distinct lemony aroma on the nose, showcasing its vibrant freshness. On the palate, bright citrus flavours combine with exotic fruit notes, delivering a lively and refreshing experience.
Food Matching
Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette, light poultry dishes, and creamy goat cheeses.
Marsanne 90%
Roussanne 10%
Oak Ageing:
Time:
10 Months
Type:
French Oak
% wine oaked:
100
Producer works organically
13.5%
Colour
White
Still wine
Case Size
6 x 75cl