Domaine des Ardoisières - Argile Rouge 2022

The "Argile Rouge" has an exotic complexity, leaping out of the glass with violets, spicy red fruits, pomegranates and rich iron minerals. 

Estates like Domaine des Ardoisières prove that Savoie can produce wines with as much quality as Burgundy or Jura. The Domaine was born from the replanting, in 1998, of the Cevins hillside: six hectares of mica schists along terraces between Albertville and Moutiers, undertaken by Michel Grisard. In 2003, to assist Grisard, Brice Omont, agricultural engineer from Champagne, invested in the project and now (since 2008) finds himself at the head of an Estate which now comprises 16 hectares. Biodynamic viticulture is championed here, the slope can reach a 70% incline, and the yields are very low. 

"Argile Rouge" is the expression of three grape varieties: 50-year-old Mondeuse from clay soil in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, and Gamay and Persan that comes from 40-year-old vines on west-facing, schist-y marl hillsides in Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy.

The bouquet has an exotic complexity, leaping out of the glass with violets, spicy red fruits, pomegranates and rich iron minerals. The palate is structured with intense, spiced Christmas cake and a red-to-black fruit profile following a dried baker's spice mix. It can be served with charcuterie, roast chicken and pork, and charcoaled rib eye. Drink now with a 30-minute decant before serving or keep until 2026+. 65% Gamay, 25% Mondeuse, 10% Persan.