Ardoisières

History of Domaine des Ardoisières

The adventure of Domaine des Ardoisières began in 1997 as a bold wager: to resurrect a fallow vineyard on the forgotten slopes of Cevins, in the Tarentaise valley. Led by Denis Perroux, visionary mayor of the village, and Michel Grisard, distinguished biodynamic winegrower of Prieuré Saint-Christophe, the project mobilized the local community and associations to restore 420 fragmented parcels, erased by phylloxera and agricultural decline in the 20th century. The first planting, in May 1998, targeted Altesse on 20 ares, followed by titanic works: stump removal, terracing and rebuilding of dry stone walls. The first significant harvest arrived in October 2002, with 22 hectoliters, marking the renewal of a two-thousand-year-old site attested since Roman times, where Columella and Pliny already praised the "Vitis Allobrogica".

In January 2003, Brice Omont, a young agronomist from Champagne passionate about natural wines, met Michel Grisard and joined the team, officially establishing himself in March 2005 in partnership. Despite chaotic beginnings, devastating drought in 2003, bank refusals and meager yields, a coalition of 12 passionate investors (restaurateurs and enthusiasts) saved the estate in 2004, injecting funds and moral support. Inaugurated in June 2003 by Agriculture Minister Hervé Gaymard, the site expanded in 2008-2009 with the leasing of organic plots in Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy, ensuring more stable production. Brice Omont became majority manager in 2010, refocusing on pragmatic biodynamics. Since 2018, the purchase of organic grapes from neighbors (as for the Silice cuvées) and the lease of Louis Magnin's vines in Arbin (bringing the total to 24 hectares) have strengthened resilience in the face of changing climate. Today, this emblematic estate spreads Savoie wines to the four corners of the world, celebrated by Michelin-starred restaurants, proving that patience and instinct triumph over vertiginous slopes.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine des Ardoisières

Domaine des Ardoisières derives its singularity from two complementary terroirs, sculpted by millennia of glaciers and viticultural history, where each parcel expresses a unique mineral identity. The Cevins slope, a south-facing glacial lock at 400-500 m altitude, dominates with its terraces of metamorphic micaschists, poor and shallow silty-sandy soils, on crazy slopes up to 70%. Planted at 8,000 vines per hectare in gobelet on stakes, following contour lines to counter erosion, these vines defy gravity: acrobatic manual work, reasoned grass cover and sheep manure amendments ensure tight yields at 25 hl/ha. Interplanted grape varieties: for whites, Altesse, Roussanne, Mondeuse Blanche, Malvoisie and Jacquère; for reds, Persan and Mondeuse Noire. This site, once covered with 20,000 hectares of vines in Savoie (versus 3,000 today), produces wines of saline tension and crystalline depth.

In contrast, the slopes of Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy, on the left bank of the Isère, offer a sedimentary contrast: Jurassic schistous marls and clay-limestone soils on medium to steep slopes, west-south facing. Less extreme, they allow a density of 5,000 vines/ha in trellis, pruned in simple guyot or cordon de Royat, for more generous yields at 40 hl/ha. Grape varieties: white in Jacquère, Chardonnay and Mondeuse Blanche; red in Gamay, Mondeuse Noire and Persan. Complemented by 1.5 ha in Laissaud and scree in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, these organic (certified) and biodynamic plots, with minimal copper and dynamic preparations, capture Alpine freshness, once rivaling Graves or Chablis. Together, these 16-24 ha, hand-worked by 15 employees, embody a rare Alpine terroir, rich in schists and fractured limestone, where the vine expresses raw energy and persistent minerality, ideal for age-worthy wines of character.

Vinifications at Domaine des Ardoisières

At Domaine des Ardoisières, vinification is a minimalist art, guided by absolute respect for the grape and terroir, to preserve the aromatic purity acquired in the vineyards. Hand-harvested and sorted according to grape maturity, the grapes arrive in 30 kg crates, vinified as whole clusters without destemming to maximize parcel expression. For whites, gentle and slow pressing precedes light cold settling (14-15°C), followed by spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, unique strains for each soil, promoting terroir complexity. Malolactic fermentation, not systematic, occurs naturally; aging, from 9 to 18 months in stainless steel tanks, concrete or used barrels (from Burgundy or Bordeaux), includes moderate bâtonnage for oaked cuvées.

The reds follow a 2-3 week maceration in open tanks, with gentle punching down and initial pumping over to extract fine tannins and bright fruit, before racking and pressing. Malolactic fermentation in barrel, then identical aging (9-18 months), without systematic racking. No fining or heavy filtration; minimal sulfur is only added at bottling, with premium corks for optimal aging (10-15 years for top cuvées). This biodynamic approach, pragmatic in the face of climatic challenges, transforms 80% of cellar quality into a faithful reflection of the vineyard: taut, saline wines of remarkable length, where schistous minerality dances with balsamic and spicy notes.

The Cuvées of Domaine des Ardoisières

The wines of Domaine des Ardoisières form a balanced range of white and red IGP Allobroges wines, where each blend or single varietal reveals the diversity of Savoyard terroirs.

Argile Blanc: From the western slopes of Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy on schistous marls and clays, this blend of Jacquère (40%), Chardonnay (40%) and Mondeuse Blanche (20%) offers a pure, chiseled and digestible wine. Vines trained in guyot/cordon at 40 hl/ha, vinified as whole clusters with indigenous yeasts and aged 9 months in tank: notes of citrus, pine resin and sustained acidity for a taut and saline palate. Perfect when young, ideal for seafood.

Argile Rouge: From the same terroir, enriched with clay-limestone scree at Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, this gourmet red blends Gamay (65%), Mondeuse Noire (25%) and Persan (10%). Yield 40 hl/ha, whole cluster vinification, 9 months aging in tank: bright fruit, silky tannins and balsamic freshness, with aromas of blueberries and pepper. A refined wine, accessible for grilled meats.

Schiste Blanc: Jewel of the south-southeast slope of Cevins (60% slope, silty micaschists), this blend of Jacquère (40%), Roussanne (30%), Malvoisie (20%) and Mondeuse Blanche (10%), yield 30 hl/ha in gobelet training, exudes crystalline purity. Aged 12 months in barrels, it displays mineral straightness, chiseled acidity and saline finish, evoking great rieslings on schist. For remarkable length.

Quartz Blanc: Prestige 100% Altesse from Cevins (20 hl/ha, south-southeast exposure), on poor, schistous soils. Whole cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, 18 months in barrels: notes of quince, mirabelle plum, walnut and wisteria, structured palate, intense and balanced, with persistent saline finesse. An emblematic wine for aging, taut and complex.

Améthyste Rouge: Signature blend from Cevins (25 hl/ha, 60% south-facing slope), Persan (60%) and Mondeuse Noire (40%) on micaschists. Vinified whole cluster, aged 18 months in barrels: aromas of blueberries, pepper and spices, powerful yet refined palate, indulgent and structured. An Alpine terroir red, deep and elegant.

Silice Blanc: Organic purchase of century-old Jacquère (50-60 years) from Apremont on limestone scree, for a lively and mineral expression. Minimalist vinification in whole clusters, indigenous yeasts: taut freshness, fruity purity.

Silice Rouge: 100% organic Mondeuse Noire from neighboring vineyards, vinified whole cluster with mixed aging (concrete tank, stainless steel, neutral barrel): fruity structure, fine tannins and spicy notes, an accessible and vibrant red in the face of climatic challenges.

From the digestible Argile to the spicy Améthyste, each bottle promises a unique sensory experience, combining mineral tension and subtle indulgence. Ready to succumb to these natural treasures? Take advantage now of our selection to purchase wine at the best price. Discover the wines of Domaine des Ardoisières as well as other Savoie estates such as Belluard, Blard & Fils, Dupasquier, Gilles Berlioz. Also enjoy more broadly our bottles, magnums and old vintages. With Vins et Millésimes, buying wine online has never been easier! Always 100% in stock, with fast shipping and at the best price!