Domaine du Tunnel

The History of the Tunnel Estate

Domaine du Tunnel was founded in 1994 by Stéphane Robert. He started with 2.50 hectares of vineyards, located on the right bank of the Rhone, in the Ardèche in the appellations Cornas, Saint Péray and Saint-Joseph. The winery is then based in downtown St. Peray. Since 2013, the estate has expanded, with the purchase of additional parcels in the Condrieu AOC.

The Domaine du Tunnel now represents 11 hectares, on the communes of Saint-Péray, Cornas, Glun, Mauves, Tournon sur Rhône and Chavanay. In 2014, Stéphane Robert decided to rehabilitate a cut stone tunnel, dating from the early 20th century, located on the place called Barras.

170 meters long, it was crossed by the steam train that provided the link between Valence and Vernoux en Vivarais. The tunnel overhangs the Rhone valley and offers a splendid view on the castle of Crussol. The development carried out allows to establish a cellar of wine making and breeding.

The Domaine du Tunnel vineyard

Of the 11 hectares of the Domaine du Tunnel, 8 are dedicated to red wine, with Syrah (Cornas and Saint-Joseph) as the only grape variety. The rest is cultivated for white wine and is shared between Marsanne and Roussanne (Saint-Péray), as well as Viognier (Condrieu). The average age of the vines is 50 years.

The work in the vineyard, as well as the harvest, is done manually. In 2018, the Domaine du Tunnel obtained the HVE certification, High Environmental Value. A quarter of Domaine du Tunnel's production is exported all over the world: Great Britain, United States, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands, among others.

The wines of Domaine du Tunnel

Domaine du Tunnel - Cornas Rouge

The red Cornas is composed solely of Syrah, from about fifteen parcels. It is a wine of long keeping that you can keep for about ten years. Cornas has an intense color that oscillates between purple and black. The nose is voluptuous, impregnated by raspberry and cherry, but also by the scents of rose.

Its attack in mouth is round and firm. It gradually releases fine licorice tannins that highlight the aromas of cocoa beans and black cherry. The Cornas accompanies with happiness the poultries, as well as all the pieces of beef.

Domaine du Tunnel - Saint Peray Blanc

The Saint Péray is made from a blend of different parcels of Roussanne and Marsanne from the Barras and Les Grandes Blaches locations. It has a pretty pale yellow color with golden reflections. The nose is generous, imbued with yellow fruits and white flowers.

The palate is rich in fruit, such as white peaches and apples. A slight minty flavor is added to mineral notes. Saint Péray is ideal for accompanying shellfish and cheese platters.