Domaine des Jumeaux

History of the domaine des Jumeaux

The story of the domaine des Jumeaux was born from a singular journey, that of Jean-Marc Tard. Immersed in the world of wine since childhood, he first chose the path of the sommelier, then that of the wine merchant, traveling from France to England, Spain and all the way to the Caribbean, where he refined his palate and his knowledge of the fine wines of the world. It was this rich experience that forged in him the conviction that a fine wine must be a 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), an extremely rare and demanding approach: 100% fermented grape juice wine, 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 craft all his cuvées without any added sulfur. Today considered one of the finest natural signatures of 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 the domaine des Jumeaux

The vineyard of the 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, of which it marks the beginning of the foothills. The soils, of ancient origin, are composed of a granitic bedrock (typical of the Armorican Massif) covered with fine clays and sands. This granite signature lends the wines a brilliant minerality and a natural freshness, precious assets in a temperate oceanic climate moderated 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 blend Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, sometimes assembled together. A few hybrid varieties are also cultivated, as part of a reflection on the resilience of the vineyard. 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 monitoring of lunar and planetary cycles for pruning, racking and vinification. Biodiversity is carefully preserved in an almost wild environment.

Vinifications of the domaine des Jumeaux

In the cellar, Jean-Marc Tard pushes 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 sulfur is added, either during vinification or at bottling, which demands absolute rigor both in the vineyard and in the winery. This SAINS (Sans Aucun Intrant Ni Sulfites ajoutés) approach places the estate among the most demanding in France.

Aging takes place in containers carefully chosen according to each cuvée. The Chenin-Chardonnay of Chemin du Querry is aged 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 18 months in oak barrels, following a philosophy of patience and controlled oxidation. No fining or filtration is carried out. The result is a recognizable signature: pure, upright, 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 the domaine des Jumeaux

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

Pierre aux Fées: a red cuvée in IGP Val de Loire (Vendée), crafted from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from plots planted on granite soils. Vinified without any additives or added sulfites, it is aged 18 months in barrels. Clear and limpid red color, subtle nose of small red fruits, soft spices, characteristic peppery notes. Fresh, indulgent 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 emblematic red cuvée in IGP Val de Loire (Vendée), with an evocative name that pays homage to the river running through the estate. Crafted in the same SAINS philosophy, without any additives or added sulfites, it is aged 18 months in barrels. Deep color, expressive nose of red and black fruits, spices and a mineral undertone, structured and fresh palate with a silky tannic texture. A distinguished and deep cuvée that expresses the full singularity of the granite terroir of the Yon valley.

Le Clos des Châtaigniers: a red cuvée in 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 sulfites, it reveals a mineral and natural nose marked by notes of red fruits, spices and floral touches. Fresh and structured palate with silky 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.