Domaine Giraud
History
Founded in 1974 by Pierre and Mireille Giraud, the estate’s roots trace back to two long-standing wine families. Pierre carries the legacy of the Armeniers—over six centuries of winemaking—while Mireille comes from a lineage of local distillers. The couple began with just under 4 hectares of sharecropped vines and transformed the family distillery into a winemaking cellar, producing their first estate vintage in 1981. By 1987, the estate had expanded to 8 hectares planted with century-old vines in prime terroirs such as La Crau, Les Galimardes, and the sandy Pignan plateau. In 1998, their children Marie and François, both trained in viticulture and oenology, took the helm—bringing renewed attention to parcel selection and cellar renovation.
Farming and Philosophy
Today, Domaine Giraud spans approximately 35 hectares, including a solid block in the Galimardes district—known for its large pebbled soils that radiate gentle warmth at night, enhancing concentration and freshness in the wines. They cultivate old-vine Grenache, Mourvèdre, and younger Syrah, along with white varieties like Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne. Grenache stretches across the Crau and Pignan terroirs, prized for producing elegance and finesse, while Syrah thrives on clay-rich elevations in the Les Tresquoys area.
A significant shift occurred in 2008, when the domaine switched to organic farming. This commitment deepened further—by 2011, Domaine Giraud had achieved biodynamic certification, ensuring holistic and sustainable vineyard management. Marie and François emphasize minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar, aiming to express the unique character of each plot with elegance and precision.
