Founded in 1854 by Eugène Raspail, Domaine Raspail Ay has a rich history rooted in the fertile soils of Gigondas. Initially, Eugène’s holdings included both the Château Raspail and the fields of Domaine Raspail Ay. Over time, the family split the property, and Domaine Raspail Ay became an independent estate. Today, under the guidance of Dominique Ay, the domaine spans 18 hectares planted predominantly to Grenache (80%), with smaller amounts of Syrah (15%) and Mourvèdre (5%).

Dominique Ay keeps things refreshingly simple at this esteemed Gigondas address, producing just one red wine and one rosé. The Raspail-Ay Gigondas is a true reflection of the appellation’s character, showcasing an elegantly robust style that benefits from several years of cellaring, allowing the tannins to integrate harmoniously with the wine’s rich flavors.

The estate adheres to organic farming practices, with a minimalist approach in the winery. Grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed before undergoing a spontaneous fermentation that lasts around 15 days. The Grenache matures in large foudres, while the Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in second- and third-use barriques. After 18 months of maturation, the wines are racked twice before being bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring purity and the expression of their terroir.