HISTORY OF THE OLIVIER HILLAIRE ESTATE
The Olivier Hillaire estate is a family-owned vineyard located deep in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Founded by Olivier Hillaire in 2006, the estate is backed by over twenty-five years of expert viticulture practices, soil management, and wineblending.
Baptiste and Corentin joined forces with their father, and now carry the torch of the family tradition. Combining the energy of youth with measured ambition and remarkable drive, the Hillaire trio is building on past successes to further develop the estate.
THE OLIVIER HILLAIRE ESTATE
Nestled between Mount Ventoux, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape castle, and the Rhône river, the estate’s idyllic setting is conducive to excellence.
Its heritage vineyards, some more than a century old, and exceptional grapes give Olivier Hillaire craft wines a timeless character.
The vineyard totals 29.8 acres appellations:
- AOC CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE (8.80 acres)
- AOC COTES DU RHONE (17 acres)
- VIN DE FRANCE (4 acres)
THE TERROIR AT OLIVIER HILLAIRE ESTATE
OLIVIER HILLAIRE ESTATE WINES
TERROIRS
Scattered throughout the appellation’s four corners, the plots thrive on diverse terroirs encompassing sand, clay, and rolled pebbles, with a maximum yield of 35 hl/ha.
GRAPE VARIETIES
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah
VINIFICATION
This vintage is aged in barrels for 10 to 12 months.
TASTING
Behind its ruby hue lies a nose of refined classicism, featuring notes of perfectly ripe red fruits and spices. The palate captivates with its enduring notes of candied raspberries and its generous, powerful, yet well-balanced texture. A restrained richness that promises profound enjoyment for those who are willing to wait.
TERROIRS
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Domaine Olivier HILLAIRE is made from vines scattered across different plots with varied terroirs (sand, clay, rolled pebbles…). The maximum yield is 35 hectoliters per hectare.
GRAPE VARIETIES
40% grenache blanc, 20% clairette, 20% roussanne, 20% bourboulenc
VINIFICATION
This wine is aged in stainless steel vats, with no exposure to wood.
TASTING
This is a dry and fruity white wine.
TERROIRS
This exceptional vintage is crafted from vines that are over 90 years old, planted in the Escondules Hauts district in appellation’s southern section, where it thrives on a terroir of rolled pebbles. The maximum yield is 35 hl/ha.
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Grenache.
VINIFICATION
This wine is aged in 400-liter oak barrels for 12 to 18 months.
TASTING
The vintage unveils a ruby hue, with a subtle nose focused on candied red fruits and a hint of woodiness that reflects its aging in (old) barrels. The palate is smooth, supple, and framed by velvety tannins, leading to a pleasantly spiced finish. A perfect balance with formidable aging potential.
TERROIRS
This exceptional vintage is crafted from vines planted in the late 19th century on the sandy terroir of La Crau, with a maximum yield of 10 to 20 hl/ha.
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Grenache
VINIFICATION
Following the harvest of over-ripe grapes, this vintage is aged in barrels and “demi-muids” oak barrels for 12 to 18 months.
TASTING
Notes of cherry, fig, and plum are followed by the creamy texture of this robust wine. Spicy aromas enhance its long, elegant finish. This wine can be enjoyed for up to 15 years.
TERROIRS
Situated in the communes of Pouzilhac (Gard) and Bédarrides (Vaucluse), the plots thrive on a diverse terroir of sand, volcanic stones, and rolled pebbles. The vines are approximately 60 years old.
GRAPE VARIETIES
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
VINIFICATION
A third of the harvest is aged in 225-liter barrels for around 10 months.
TASTING
After aeration, this attractive ruby-colored wine reveals subtle notes of raspberry and blackberry. On the palate, this fruitiness is more intense, with a nice balance of richness and delicate acidity.
TERROIRS
This wine is developed from plots in Vaucluse and Gard, approximately 40 kilometers from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, on the opposite side of the Rhône.
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Carignan, a fruity variety typical of southern France.
VINIFICATION
The grapes are placed in vats for a 24-hour maceration period before extracting the free-run wine.
TASTING
A delightfully balanced wine with vibrant aromas of raspberries and blackberries. It’s perfect as an aperitif or paired with grilled meats.
TERROIRS
This wine is developed from plots on the heights of Pouzilhac in Gard, the same region that produces our Côtes du Rhône.
GRAPE VARIETIES
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan.
VINIFICATION
This wine is both vinified and aged in vats.
TASTING
A charming wine with a well-balanced fruity aroma, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
