Domaine des Jumeaux

History of Domaine des Jumeaux

The story of Domaine des Jumeaux was born from a singular journey, that of Jean-Marc Tard. Steeped in the world of wine since childhood, he first chose the path of sommelier, then that of wine merchant, travelling from France to England, to Spain and as far as the Caribbean, where he refined his palate and his knowledge of the world's Fine Wines. It was this rich experience that forged in him the conviction that a Fine Wine must be the faithful reflection of its terroir and its grape varieties, without artifice or additives. In 2008–2009, accompanied by his wife Maryline, he decided to cross to the other side of the counter and took over a small, isolated Vendée vineyard, nestled on the hillsides along the banks of the Yon, in Chaillé-sous-les-Ormeaux.

The couple immediately chose the path of biodynamics and obtained Demeter certification as early as 2009, a sign of absolute commitment to living ecosystems. Very quickly, Jean-Marc took an additional step by joining the association Les Vins SAINS (Sans Aucun Intrant Ni Sulfites ajoutés — meaning wines made without any additives or added sulphites), an extremely rare and demanding approach: 100% fermented grape juice, with no additions whatsoever, neither in the vineyard nor in the cellar. Alongside a handful of pioneers in France, he thus became one of the rare winemakers to produce all his cuvées without the addition of sulphur. Today regarded as one of the finest natural wine signatures in western France, still underrated according to many enthusiasts, the estate proudly carries the renaissance of wines from the Vendée and the western Loire Valley.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine des Jumeaux

The vineyard of Domaine des Jumeaux extends over approximately 11 to 13 hectares, located in the heart of the Yon valley, in the historic cradle of Vendée viticulture. This valley constitutes one of the most fascinating meeting points between the western Loire Valley and the Armorican Massif, marking the beginning of its foothills. The soils, of ancient origin, are composed of granitic bedrock (typical of the Armorican Massif) covered with fine clays and sands. This granitic signature imparts to the wines a brilliant minerality and a natural freshness, precious assets in an oceanic climate tempered by the proximity of the Atlantic.

The grape varieties reflect the diversity of the estate and the open-mindedness of the winemaker. The reds combine Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Negrette (a rare variety in the Vendée), while the whites bring together Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, sometimes blended. A few hybrid varieties are also cultivated, as part of a broader reflection on vineyard resilience. The vineyard has been managed under Demeter-certified biodynamics since 2009, with soil work carried out largely by animal traction (horse), entirely manual harvests and careful attention to lunar and planetary cycles for pruning, racking and vinification. Biodiversity is carefully preserved in an almost wild environment.

Vinifications at Domaine des Jumeaux

In the cellar, Jean-Marc Tard takes his natural philosophy to its extreme. All cuvées are vinified without any oenological inputs: no selected yeasts, no enzymes, no sugar, no acid, no nutrients. Fermentations are conducted solely with the indigenous yeasts native to the grapes, which have been preserved through biodynamic viticulture. No sulphur is added, either during vinification or at bottling, which demands absolute rigour both in the vineyard and in the cellar. This SAINS approach (Sans Aucun Intrant Ni Sulfites ajoutés — without any additives or added sulphites) places the estate among the most demanding in France.

Ageing takes place in containers carefully chosen according to each cuvée. The Chenin-Chardonnay of Chemin du Querry is aged for 18 months in amphora, which brings great mineral purity to the wine while preserving its fruit. The reds Pierre aux Fées and Sang de l'Yon are aged for 18 months in oak barrels, in a spirit of patience and controlled oxidation. No fining or filtration is carried out. The result is a recognisable signature: pure, straight, deeply mineral wines with a clean and precise aromatic profile, never marked by excessive oxidation or volatile acidity. A rare mastery for wines made without a safety net, faithful to their Vendée terroir.

The cuvées of Domaine des Jumeaux

Le Chemin du Querry: the estate's signature cuvée and white gem, under IGP Val de Loire (Vendée). Crafted from a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay sourced from the granitic soils of the Yon valley. Vinified without any additives or added sulphites, it is aged for 18 months in amphora, which imparts a crystalline purity and a unique mineral signature. Brilliant colour, delicate nose of white fruits, flowers and saline notes, a taut, fresh, long palate with a chalky finish. A precise and profound cuvée, regarded by many as one of the finest expressions of white wines from the Vendée.

Pierre aux Fées: a red cuvée under IGP Val de Loire (Vendée), crafted from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from plots planted on granitic soils. Vinified without any additives or added sulphites, it is aged for 18 months in barrels. Clear and limpid ruby colour, subtle nose of red berries, soft spices and characteristic peppery notes. Fresh, generous palate with fine, rounded tannins, a supple and energetic structure, extended by a precise finish. A pure, ripe and fresh Vendée Pinot Noir whose quality never ceases to surprise enthusiasts.

Sang de l'Yon: an identity-defining red cuvée under IGP Val de Loire (Vendée), with an evocative name that pays tribute to the river running through the estate. Crafted in the same SAINS philosophy, without any additives or added sulphites, it is aged for 18 months in barrels. Deep colour, expressive nose of red and black fruits, spices and a mineral background, structured and fresh on the palate with a silky tannic texture. A distinguished and profound cuvée that expresses the full singularity of the granitic terroir of the Yon valley.

Le Clos des Châtaigniers: a red cuvée under IGP Val de Loire (Vendée), crafted from an original blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir sourced from the estate's eponymous plot. Vinified without any additives or added sulphites, it reveals a mineral and natural nose marked by notes of red fruits, spices and floral touches. Fresh and structured on the palate, with melted tannins, making it a versatile and gastronomic wine, perfect with white meats, poultry or beef-based dishes. An authentic and confidential expression of the Vendée terroir.