Domaine Gilles Barge
Overview
Domaine Gilles Barge is the historic family domaine of the Barge family in Ampuis, one of Côte-Rôtie’s traditional producers. Gilles Barge embodies the old school style of the appellation — wines built for decades of aging, with the elegance of Côte-Rôtie’s finest terroirs. Their “Côte Brune” and “Côte Blonde” bottlings represent distinct expressions of the appellation’s two hillside zones. The family’s winemaking is rooted in tradition: whole clusters and old-vine fruit. Julien Barge (see Domaine Julien Barge) is the next generation, making wines under his own label as well.
The family also runs a wine shop in the center of Ampuis.
Appellations
Key Wines
- Côte-Rôtie “Côte Brune” — from the darker, iron-rich schist sector; more structured and long-lived
- Côte-Rôtie “Côte Blonde” — inaugural 2013 vintage; from old Sérine parcel (half-hectare) sourced from Joseph Duplessy since 1978
- “le Combard” — single lieu-dit; reclaimed vineyard, vines came into production in 2007
Style Notes
Old school Côte-Rôtie: classical, tightly structured, recalls the style of the legendary Marius Gentaz. Wines are not made for early drinking; they need 15–25+ years. The Côte Brune is more iron-clad and long-lived; the Côte Blonde more perfumed and graceful. Gilman specifically notes the 2014 Côte Brune “recalls the wines of Marius Gentaz back in the day.”
Tasting Notes (from VFTC #119)
- 2014 “Côte Brune”: 12.5%; rated 94. Still youthful at 11 years; “progressing very nicely.” Drinking window: 2035–2085.
- 2013 “Côte Blonde”: 12.5%; rated 95. Inaugural vintage; from very old Sérine parcel. Drinking window: 2033–2085.
- 2008 “le Combard”: Rated 91+. Only second vintage; needs more aging. Drinking window: 2030–2075.
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
- 119 — Annual Rhône Report (John Gilman, October 2025)