Domaine des Ardoisières

Domaine des Ardoisières is a highly regarded wine estate located in the French Alps, within the Savoie wine region. Founded through a visionary restoration project, it has become a benchmark producer for the region, celebrated for its precise, mineral-driven wines from steep, high-altitude vineyards. The domaine is renowned for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and for reviving nearly extinct local grape varieties on historically significant slopes.

History

The estate's story begins in the late 1990s when local vigneron Michel Grisard, a key figure in Savoie viticulture, identified the potential of the abandoned, schist-rich slopes of Cevins and Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy. With the support of the local community and the Compagnons du Devoir, a project was launched to clear and replant these historic vineyards. In 1998, Brice Omont joined the project, eventually taking over the winemaking and viticultural direction. The name "Ardoisières" references the slate ("ardoise") quarries that once operated in the area, echoing the mineral-rich soils that define its wines. This collaborative effort marked a significant revival of alpine wine heritage, transforming forgotten terrain into one of France's most exciting modern wine projects.

Vineyards and Terroir

The domaine's vineyards are split between two distinct lieux-dits: "Schiste de Cevins" and "Calcaire de Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy," names that directly describe their dominant soils. The parcels in Cevins are planted on incredibly steep, south-facing slopes of decomposed schist at altitudes between 350 and 450 meters, benefiting from excellent sun exposure and drainage. The sites in Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy feature clay-limestone soils on more easterly exposures. This alpine terroir, influenced by the Arc (river) valley, experiences significant diurnal temperature shifts, which promote aromatic complexity and acidity in the grapes. All farming is conducted according to strict biodynamic principles, with meticulous manual work essential for managing the challenging terrain.

Winemaking and Philosophy

Winemaking at the domaine is guided by a philosophy of non-intervention and terroir transparency. Brice Omont employs spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts in a combination of used oak barrels, concrete eggs, and large wooden foudres. Elevage is extended, often lasting 18 to 24 months, with minimal sulfur dioxide used only at bottling. The approach draws inspiration from traditional methods but with a modern, precise sensibility, aiming to express the pure character of each parcel and the unique schist or limestone substrate. This meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar has established a house style marked by tension, minerality, and remarkable aging potential.

Wines and Appellations

The portfolio is divided into two main ranges corresponding to the soil types: the "Schiste" wines from Cevins and the "Calcaire" wines from Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy. Key white wines include a vibrant Altesse (grape) and complex blends incorporating Jacquez, Persan (grape), and other rare local varieties, bottled under the Vin de Savoie appellation. The estate also produces distinctive red wines from Mondeuse Noire and Persan (grape). Their most renowned cuvée, "Argile Rouge," is a powerful, age-worthy blend of Mondeuse Noire and Persan (grape) from the schist soils. Some experimental plots are bottled under the broader Vin de France designation, allowing maximum freedom in varietal selection and winemaking.

Recognition and Legacy

Domaine des Ardoisières has received critical acclaim from leading wine publications like La Revue du Vin de France and The Wine Advocate, and is featured prominently in the guides of Bettane+Desseauve. Its wines are sought after by top sommeliers in restaurants such as Septime in Paris and have played a pivotal role in elevating the global prestige of the Savoie region. The domaine's success has inspired a new generation of vignerons in the French Alps and stands as a model for the thoughtful restoration of historic vineyards through sustainable, biodynamic practices, securing its legacy as a standard-bearer for alpine viticulture.

Category:Wineries of France Category:Savoie wine Category:Wineries established in 1998