Axel Domont

History of domaine Axel Domont

Axel Domont's story is that of a man who followed two passions to the very end. The first, cycling, led him to turn professional with the AG2R La Mondiale team 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 accidents accumulated: six broken collarbones over the years, and a fractured pelvis. His last crash of his career in 2020 forced him to stop on a sixth broken collarbone. It was in 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 Savoie, a region he knows well having grown up and raced there, Axel pursued studies in viticulture and oenology. The defining encounter was with Marielle and Nicolas Ferrand of the 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 vigneron-négociant/vinifier while seeking organically grown grapes. He gradually settled into his own cellar in Les Marches, in the commune of Porte-de-Savoie, where he now develops 3 hectares of vines under 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 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 soils characteristic of this part of Savoie, between Chambéry and Albertville. For the négociant side, Axel sources organic grapes from partner growers located across 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 long ageing), Mondeuse (an autochthonous Savoyard red grape, 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 earthing up and de-earthing, and manual care for the rest. Chaptalization is strictly prohibited. Axel works in négociant only with organic or conversion producers who share his values.

Vinifications of domaine Axel Domont

Axel Domont vinifies with the conviction of a high-level athlete who has reinvented himself through passion: rigor, authenticity and respect for the grape. Fermentations are conducted entirely with indigenous yeasts, with no added sulphur on the vast majority of cuvées (in certain cases, a minute 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 preserving as faithfully as possible 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 taught him rigor, patience and respect for his body, which he naturally transposes into respect for the vine and the wine.

The cuvées of domaine Axel Domont

Kilomètre Zéro (Vin de Savoie Blanc): An 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 good moment of sharing. Made from Jacquère sourced from different Savoie terroirs (Chignin, Apremont), part aged in amphora and the other in demi-muid, for a result of great freshness. Typical nose of the variety: white fruits and flowers, lemon, slightly toasted notes. Round palate, rather dense for Jacquère, easy and zesty. A pure and delicious fruitiness, perfect as an aperitif or among friends. The introductory cuvée to Axel Domont's world.

Flamme Rouge (Vin de Savoie Rouge): A red cuvée whose name evokes the red flag in cycling races, signaling the last kilometer before the finish line. A blend of Mondeuse, Pinot Noir and Gamay, vinified to offer great freshness and fruit through a short maceration. Light and indulgent palate, discreet tannins, 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 slightly peppery touches. Medium-bodied palate (more so than a typical Savoie Gamay), juicy and fluid, tannins almost absent, beautiful length. A Savoyard Gamay of fine personality and very high drinkability, 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 reference terroir for this Savoyard grape variety. The name evokes the human encounters that have shaped Axel's adventure in wine, starting with that of Marielle and Nicolas Ferrand of the 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 great finesse and lightness.