Six Rhône producers on the down-low you need to know about

A wet spring and a chilly September made for a challenging year in the Rhône in 2024 – there are some brilliant wines, but it’s inconsistent.

A handful of producers played the vintage with flair however, making desirable wines across the board.

It would be of no surprise to Rhône lovers if this list included revered estates such as Domaine Jean-Louis Chave in the Northern Rhône and Clos des Papes in the south, however.

Here then are six smaller, under-the-radar producers that excelled in 2024.

François et Fils

If you visit the François brothers, Yoann and Erwan, you might be surprised to encounter a herd of 25 cattle on their estate – but milk and cheese is still their main source of income.

They also have a few hectares of Côte-Rôtie however, including prize parcels of lieux-dits Les Rochains and Rozier.

The family started bottling in 1991, but it was Yoann’s arrival in 2004 that helped this side of the business take off. In good vintages, their cuvée classique can represent a very smart buy.

Key wines in 2024: François et Fils Côte-Rôtie; François et Fils Côte-Rôtie Rozier.

Domaine Belle

It wasn’t the easiest year for Crozes-Hermitage producers, but those around the village of Larnage – such as Domaine Belle – fared better than most.

It’s an organic, family-owned estate with a history that stretches back for generations with holdings in St-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage itself.

They are unusually adept at making white wines, so the cooler, fresher 2024 played into their hands.

The domaine’s white Hermitage and white Crozes-Hermitage Roche Blanche are among the best in their respective appellations this year.

Key wines in 2024: Hermitage blanc, Crozes-Hermitage blanc Roche Blanche, Crozes-Hermitage rouge Les Pierrelles.

Domaine Franck Balthazar

Originally established in 1931 by Casimir Balthazar, the estate has been in the hands of his grandson Franck since 2002.

With only 3.5ha of Cornas, it’s not a large estate but his wines are well worth seeking out.

All of his Cornas cuvées are made with 100% whole bunch in 2024. His wines are approachable and perfumed, which chimes with the style of the vintage, one that’s more about delicacy and finesse than power.

Key wines in 2024: Cornas Juliette, Cornas Casimir, Cornas Sans Souffre Ajouté, Cornas Chaillot, Cornas Hommage.

Clos de Caveau

This Vacqueyras estate was briefly owned by the legendary Steven Spurrier, who sold it in 1976 to Gérard and Nicole Bungener.

They were organic pioneers in the region, starting on their journey in 1980, becoming certified in 1989.

Today it’s their son Henri Bungener who runs the domaine after a career as a psychoanalyst in London; he is assisted in turn by his son Lewis.

They make a fresh, detailed and transparent style of Vacqueyras, both in red and white. They also own a small plot of Gigondas, which is equally approachable and delicious.

Key wines in 2024: Gigondas rouge Champvermeil, Vacqueyras rouge Carmin Brillant, Vacqueyras rouge Lao Muse, Vacqueyras rouge Fruit Sauvage, Vacqueyras blanc Louis d’Or.

Domaine des Bosquets

A leading producer in Gigondas for many years now, Domaine des Bosquets perhaps can’t be described as ‘under the radar’.

But it deserves to be flagged up nonetheless, as this is Julien Brechet’s most impressive set of wines to date.

By extracting less, turning away from new oak and using more stems, his style has developed in a more restrained and elegant direction.

It’s a brilliant vintage for Gigondas, and an important one in the evolution of this estate.

Key wines in 2024: Gigondas Le Lieu Dit…, Gigondas Le Plateau…, Gigondas La Colline…, Gigondas Les Routes…, Gigondas Les Roches…, Gigondas Les Hauts-Lieux, Gigondas Le Regard Loin, Gigondas Le Bout du Monde.

Domaine Juliette Avril

An estate that’s been going from strength to strength over the past five years, Domaine Juliette Avril made some excellent red Châteauneufs in 2024, from its tradition bottling all the way up to its cuvées spéciales.

Today the estate is managed by Marie Lucile Brun, who took over from her mother Juliette Avril in 1988.

Marie Lucile is assisted by her son Stephan Brun who joined the estate in 2000. They own 18ha in Châteauneuf, including some very old vines which go into their impressive cuvée Maxence.

Key wines in 2024: Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge, Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge Maxence, Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge Les Vignes de Juliette.

Six Rhône producers to know

Related articles

• Rhône 2024 en primeur: Full report and the vintage’s top-scoring wines
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2024: Best picks from a fresh and vibrant bunch
• Hermitage 2024: Elegant reds but a vintage where white wines reign supreme