Domaine Otheguy - Stéphane Otheguy
Stéphane Othéguy, born in Gironde in 1965, worked from 1996 as a farm worker at Vincent Gasse, then took over the estate in 2004. The takeover of an organic estate in the vineyards as in the cellar is not a coincidence it's the will of this committed farmer-winemaker.
In total, Stéphane operates vineyards in AOC Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph and Condrieu, plus about 0.3 ha exploited in table wine (on three grape varieties), all completed by about 5 ha for fruits (pear, vines). , apple trees, and 3-4 fig trees) certified organic farming (with mention Nature and Progress), 3 ha of meadows and 8 ha of wood. Stéphane started planting apricot trees to reconnect with a local tradition; he has chosen the apricot variety of Ammers but does not exclude trials with new varieties while remaining, as for other fruit trees, on hardy and resistant plants.
Vines for Saint Joseph vintages were planted in the grass by betting on the competition to motivate the roots to dive naturally to feed the plant.
This peasant farmer works in the purest tradition, with a beautiful heritage of serines (old local syrah) from mass selections. He took over the estate after a period in lining with the winemaker who was retiring. The estate has been working in certified organic farming since its inception (1988).
When asked about his job, he insists on the terminology "peasant-winemaker"; it is a way of emphasizing the return to the earth, respect and quality.