News
April 15, 2026
A family tradition we have chosen to preserve
At Domaine Tourbillon, we are proud to carry on a deep-rooted family tradition in the terroirs of the Rhône Valley, by preserving and working vineyards passed down from our grandparents.
A significant part of our vineyard is made up of old Grenache and Syrah vines, which we have deliberately chosen not to uproot, despite their lower yields.
This is a conscious decision: we prefer patience and quality over productivity, in order to preserve a unique viticultural heritage and fully express the Rhône terroirs.
👉 Discover our wines:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: https://www.domaine-tourbillon.com/fr/cuvees-des-cotes-du-rhone/chateauneuf-du-pape
- Gigondas: https://www.domaine-tourbillon.com/fr/cuvees-des-cotes-du-rhone/gigondas
Young vines vs old vines: simple definition
Young vines (0–20 years)
Young vines are still in their development stage:
- shallow root system
- strong natural vigor
- higher yields
👉 They produce fruity, fresh, and easy-drinking wines.
Old vines (30–80+ years)
Old vines are mature vines:
- deep root systems
- naturally low yields
- more concentrated grapes
👉 They produce more complex, structured, and refined wines.
Grenache in young vs old vines
Young Grenache: fruit and accessibility
Young Grenache produces wines that are:
- very fruity
- soft and easy-drinking
- focused on immediate pleasure
Aromatic profile
Fresh red berries, strawberry, cherry, candy-like fruit.
Old-vine Grenache: depth and identity
With age, Grenache becomes more intense:
- lower yields
- higher concentration
- stronger terroir expression
👉 This depth is especially visible in our Rhône Valley crus.
Syrah in young vs old vines
Young Syrah: freshness and direct expression
Young Syrah produces wines that are:
- expressive but simple
- fresh and vibrant
- slightly more tannic
Aromatic profile
Black fruits, light pepper, violet.
Old-vine Syrah: finesse and complexity
With age, Syrah becomes more elegant:
- natural yield regulation
- finer tannins
- deeper aromatic complexity
Aromatic profile
Ripe black fruits, black pepper, floral notes.
Our choice: preserving old vines
At Domaine Tourbillon, we have made a clear choice: not to uproot our old vines.
Even with lower yields, they represent:
- a precious family heritage
- a truer expression of terroir
- a key foundation of our wines
👉 Discover the estate: https://www.domaine-tourbillon.com/fr/
Key differences: young vs old vines
| Criterion | Young vines | Old vines |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | High | Low |
| Concentration | Medium | High |
| Style | Fruity, simple | Complex, structured |
| Grenache | Light, playful | Deep, concentrated |
| Syrah | Fresh, direct | Elegant, complex |
| Aging potential | Short | Longer |
Why vine age matters
Lower yields = higher quality
Old vines naturally produce less, but:
- more concentrated grapes
- richer aromas
- better balance
Deep roots = stronger terroir expression
Over time:
- vines access deeper water sources
- soils are expressed more precisely
- wines gain complexity
Better natural balance
Wines from old vines are often:
- more balanced
- more refined
- longer on the palate
Conclusion
At Domaine Tourbillon, old vines are central to our identity.
Inherited from our family heritage, we have chosen to preserve them rather than remove them, as they embody the living memory of our vineyard and a key source of quality.
In wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, they deeply shape the expression of Grenache and Syrah.
