About the winery:
Domaine des Ardoisières starts in the 90s as a project of Michel Grisard. He wants to recultivate the local vineyards. And enthusiasm in the area is great, the steep slopes are restored with the help of hundreds of local volunteers. Vines are replanted, whereby Michel only uses local grapes. Years later, in 2003, Brice Omont joins the project. In the meantime Michel has retired and Brice is in charge of the more than 15 ha of vineyards.
Brice Omont is a modest man. He does not necessarily stand in the foreground but lets his wines speak for him. The work in the fields and the cellar always comes first. He cultivates his vineyards biodynamically and does not have to worry about neighbours spraying pesticides. There are simply none, the vineyards are remote, high and isolated. In combination with minimal intervention (sometimes light filtration, sometimes a pinch of sulphites, that's it) in the cellar, a beautiful expression of terroir is created.
About the area:
Savoie is a special area. Vineyards are scattered across the area and can be extremely high and steep. Despite the average altitude, it is a relatively warm area. Many vineyards face south, and in the summer it can be scorching hot. It is not without reason that apricots, almonds, figs and olives are also grown in Savoie. The grape varieties planted are indigenous and often unknown: Mondeuse Blanche, Jacquère, Rousette, Mondeuse Noir & Persan. The special slate soil (Ardoisières) does not produce a high yield and therefore wines of top quality, full of minerality and tension.
Brice Omont
mountainous terraced vineyards of Ardoisières
