Axel Domont

History of the Domaine Axel Domont

The story of Axel Domont is that of a man who followed two passions to their fullest. The first, cycling, led him to turn professional with team AG2R La Mondiale from 2013 to 2020, having come through the Chambéry junior team and a stint in 2011. A talented climber, he competed in two Tours de France and numerous international races. But the accidents accumulated: six broken collarbones over the years, and a fractured pelvis. His last crash of his career in 2020 forced him to stop after a sixth broken collarbone. It was from his hospital bed that he made the decision that would change his life: to stop cycling and devote himself to his second passion, nature.

Drawn to wine and to Savoie — a region he knows well, having grown up and raced there — Axel undertook studies in viticulture and oenology. The defining encounter was with Marielle and Nicolas Ferrand of Domaine des Côtes Rousses, who opened the doors of their cellar to him in 2020 for his first vintage. This allowed him to launch his activity as a grower-négociant/winemaker while sourcing organically grown grapes. He gradually established himself in his own cellar in Les Marches, in the commune of Porte-de-Savoie, where he today tends 3 hectares of vines in organic conversion. Almost all of the work is carried out by hand, in respect of the soils, the plants and the surrounding wildlife.

Terroirs and Vines of the Domaine Axel Domont

Axel Domont's vineyard is located in the commune of Les Marches, in the Combe de Savoie area, at the heart of the Vin de Savoie appellation. The 3 hectares are planted on glacial moraine and calcareous alluvial terroirs characteristic of this part of Savoie, between Chambéry and Albertville. For the négociant side of the business, Axel sources organic grapes from partner growers located on various Savoyard terroirs: Apremont, Chignin and Fréterive in particular, enriching the palette of expressions and terroirs represented in his cuvées.

The grape varieties cultivated are those of the Savoyard tradition: Jacquère (the emblematic white grape of Savoie, a variety of freshness and alpine aromas), Roussette or Altesse (a nobler white grape, capable of great ageing), Mondeuse (the indigenous Savoyard red grape, a cousin of Syrah), Gamay and Pinot Noir for the reds. Everything is cultivated organically, under certified conversion, with soil work carried out by a contractor for mounding and demounding, and manual care for the rest. Chaptalization is strictly prohibited. Axel only works with négociant suppliers who are organic or in conversion, sharing his values.

Vinification at the Domaine Axel Domont

Axel Domont vinifies with the conviction of a high-level athlete who has reinvented himself through passion: rigour, authenticity and respect for the grape. Fermentations are conducted entirely with indigenous yeasts, with no addition of sulphur on the vast majority of cuvées (in certain cases, an infinitesimal dose of 1 g/hl may be used). No oenological additives. The juices are neither filtered nor fined. Ageing takes place in oak demi-muids, amphora jars or stainless steel vats depending on the cuvée, with the aim of best preserving the identity of the grape variety and the terroir. The names of his cuvées are all poetic nods to his past as a professional cyclist and to his other passions.

Axel's philosophy is that of a winemaker who seeks above all freshness, fruit and drinkability: living, accessible wines that make you want to pour another glass. His experience as a high-level athlete has taught him rigour, patience and respect for his body, which he naturally transposes into respect for the vine and the wine.

The cuvées of the Domaine Axel Domont

Kilomètre Zéro (Vin de Savoie Blanc) : The emblematic white cuvée and a direct nod to his past as a professional cyclist: "Km 0" evokes here not the end of a race but the beginning of a fine moment of sharing. Made from Jacquère sourced from various Savoie terroirs (Chignin, Apremont), part aged in amphora and the other in demi-muid, for a result of great freshness. A nose typical of the grape variety: white fruits and flowers, lemon, lightly toasted notes. A round palate, rather dense for Jacquère, easy-drinking and lively. A pure and delicious fruitiness, perfect as an aperitif or among friends. The introductory cuvée to the world of Axel Domont.

Flamme Rouge (Vin de Savoie Rouge) : A red cuvée whose name evokes the red flag in cycling races, signalling the final kilometre before the finish line. A blend of Mondeuse, Pinot Noir and Gamay, vinified to deliver great freshness and fruit through a short maceration. A light and indulgent palate, discreet tannins, a fresh and fruity finish. An immediately pleasurable Savoyard red, in the tradition of light and thirst-quenching mountain wines.

Nuit Blanche (Vin de France Rouge) : A red cuvée made from pure Gamay, whose name evokes the sleepless nights of great athletes before major races. The wine opens up quickly and improves over 24 hours. Nose of cherry, raspberry, mineral and lightly peppery notes. A medium-bodied palate (fuller than typical Savoie Gamay), juicy and fluid, virtually no tannins, a beautiful length. A Savoyard Gamay of fine personality and a very high drinkability coefficient — lively and ever-changing.

Chien d'Arrêt (Vin de Savoie Blanc) : A white cuvée made from a blend of Jacquère and Roussette, for maximum vivacity and tension. The name is a nod to Axel's other great passion, hunting, and to his faithful canine companion. A dry white wine of fine complexity and good ageing potential, combining the freshness of Jacquère with the structure and floral complexity of Roussette. Available notably in magnum.

Rencontres (Vin de Savoie Rouge) : A red cuvée made from 100% Mondeuse from Fréterive, a benchmark terroir for this Savoyard grape variety. The name evokes the human encounters that have shaped Axel's adventure in wine, beginning with that of Marielle and Nicolas Ferrand of Côtes Rousses. A red wine of great finesse and lightness, expressing all the typicity of Mondeuse: cherry, spices, pepper and alpine freshness. Available notably in magnum. For lovers of finesse and lightness.