THIBAUD CAPELLARO
Côte-Rôtie, Rhône | FRANCE
Thibaud Capellaro, a visionary winemaker redefining the vineyards of Côte-Rôtie in Norther Rhône since 2018.
Born and bred in this storied region with no family roots in viticulture. Thibaud started his journey off with business studies then followed his passion for wine. He courageously acquired 2 hectares of often-overlooked parcels—many unplanted and not south-facing, deemed less desirable by the older generation. Yet, with rising temperatures, Thibaud’s bold gamble is paying off.
Embarking on this thrilling journey, Thibaud embraces the challenge of cultivating one of France’s steepest vineyards using organic farming and natural winemaking techniques. His approach, still quite avant-garde for the region, is paving the way for a new era of winemaking excellence.
To supplement the tiny production from his own land, Thibaud sources grapes from the iconic Gerald Oustric of Le Mazel in Ardèche, France.
The nose strikes with lot of dried apricot, lychee, and beeswax, complemented by a delicate floral hint. On the palate, it strikes a balance between richness and freshness, with a smooth texture and lively tension. The finish is crisp, with a touch of bitterness and salinity, making it both refreshing and complex. A wine that leaves you wanting more with its bright acidity and lingering finish.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | Côte-Rôtie Rhône, France
Variety | Viognier - 2 weeks on the skin
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite, Clay - limestone
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 1800 bottles
Vinification
The grapes undergo a two-week maceration on the skins, which imparts a deep, textured character and a touch of tannin, adding complexity and mouthfeel. Afterward, the wine is fermented and aged in a mix of 500-litre French oak barrels and amphora, which enhances its richness and subtle oxidative qualities. The combination of these ancient and traditional vessels brings out a beautiful balance between the wine's vibrant fruit and its savoury, mineral finish, offering something both elegant and intriguing.
Imagine black currant and cherries paired with pepper, and pencil shavings. Refined and elegant tannins matched with juicy fruit and a precise finish.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | Ardèche, Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah 95%, Viognier, Marsanne
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite, Clay - limestone
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 1800 bottles
Vinification
Grapes for this cuvée come from Gerald Oustric, famous winemaker at the Le Mazel estate in South Ardèche. Whole bunch fermented for 10 days, aged in demi-muids for 11 months. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur.
With "Zé-RO," Thibaud showcases his bold, modern take on the Rhône. This Syrah and Viognier blend bursts with vibrant red fruit, including juicy raspberry and white peach, complemented by delicate floral notes and a subtle hint of spice. Fresh, juicy, and incredibly approachable, it’s a wine that delivers a perfect balance of intensity and lightness. With an airy, smooth finish, Zé-RO is a delightful, easy-drinking red that embodies the best of contemporary Rhône winemaking—perfect for those looking for a refreshing, flavourful wine that still packs a punch.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | Côte-Rôtie Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah, Viognier
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite, Clay - limestone
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 3800 bottles
Vinification
Zé-RO is crafted through a combination of direct pressing and whole bunch maceration for 3 weeks, a method that enhances the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity. After fermentation, the wine is aged in large concrete tanks, allowing it to develop with minimal intervention, preserving the freshness and purity of its fruit while gaining subtle texture. This approach reflects Thibaud Capellaro’s commitment to producing a natural, expressive wine with a modern twist on traditional Rhône techniques.
Think blood orange paired with raspberries and strawberries spiced with elderflower, mango, and lychee. Complex, round, with a long vibrant finish.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | Ardèche & Côte-Rôtie Rhône, France
Variety | Viognier 85%, Syrah 15%
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite, Clay - limestone
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 800 bottles
Vinification
The Viognier grapes for this cuvée come from Gerald Oustric, famous winemaker at the Le Mazel estate in South Ardèche. The Syrah comes from Thibaud’s vineyard from Côte-Rôtie. Whole bunch Viognier fermented for 10 days together with pressed Syrah. Aged in demi-muids and amphora for 11 months. Bottled without fining, filtration or added sulphur.
Packed with bright damson, black currant, and pepper, it’s dense, intense, multilayered, and mineral.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 1800 bottles
Vinification
Grapes for this cuvée come from Thibaud’s parcels, one in the St-Joseph appellation and the other across the Rhône River. A massal selection of Syrah, 50% whole cluster, aged in demi-muids for 11 months. Bottled without fining or filtration 15mg/l of sulphur has been added before bottling.
This Côte-Rôtie is nothing short of extraordinary—a wine that redefines the heights of the northern Rhône. The nose is an enchanting symphony of blackberries, wild cherries, and the most beguiling hints of smoked meats, underscored by the intoxicating perfume of violet and delicate notes of cracked black pepper. On the palate, it’s a perfect harmony of elegance and power, where the silky, finely woven tannins caress the tongue, while vibrant acidity lifts the rich, dark fruit profile to ethereal heights. A subtle earthiness and herbs add complexity, with an almost haunting, smoky finish that lingers long after the last sip. This Côte-Rôtie is the epitome of finesse, where every element—structure, depth, and intensity—melds together in perfect, breathtaking balance. A wine that will linger in your memory, elevating the very definition of what this legendary appellation can achieve.
Winemaker | Thibaud Capellaro
Region | AOC Côte-Rôtie Rhône, France
Variety | Syrah
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Granite, Clay - limestone
Altitude | 300 m
Age of the vines | 25 years
Bottles made | 300 bottles
Vinification
The winemaking is a true masterpiece. It begins with two weeks of whole bunch fermentation, allowing the grapes to ferment naturally, preserving the wine’s purity and complexity. During this time, gentle hand punch-downs are employed to ensure a delicate extraction of color, tannin, and aromatics, enhancing the wine’s depth without overpowering its elegance. After fermentation, the wine is aged in small oak barrels, which imparts subtle oak influence, adding layers of texture and nuance while allowing the fruit’s natural character to shine through. This meticulous approach captures the essence of the terroir, producing a Côte-Rôtie that is both powerful and refined, with a sense of timeless grace.