'Chasselas' Rhymes with 'Dominique Lucas': Three Unique Haute-Savoie Expressions from Les Vignes de Paradis!

Dominique Lucas makes a great Altesse. He makes a great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, too. Even the vigneron's Savagnin is delicious. But today, we're sticking with what Dominique is best known for, and that's the white grape, Chasselas. We're happy to be offering three different expressions that prove the awesome potential of this Alpine variety.

According to Wine-Searcher.com, the idea that Chasselas comes from Egypt or the Middle East has been discredited. Instead, its origins exist almost certainly around Lake Geneva. And today, the shores of this famous lake, known as Lac Léman to the French, are densely planted with Chasselas vines. It is here where Dominique, a man from Pommard, has established his forward-thinking domaine.

In her book, Wines of the French Alps, Wink Lorch writes that the winemaker left Burgundy and set up his career in the Savoie in 2001. "A tip-off led him to accept a job with Claude Mercier of La Grande Cave de Crépy, despite knowing nothing about the area, or about Chasselas," she adds. It was in 2008 that Dominique took everything he learned and began his own estate with 1.5 hectares of Chasselas. A lot has changed over the years, as Dominique continues to play with different grapes and different low-intervention cellar techniques, but the quality of his Chasselas, in my experience, only continues to rise. And even though he experiments with fruit and methods, he seems like he's in control, and that clarity can be tasted in his wines. "Dominique is one of the most clear-thinking natural winemakers of the French Alps," Wink writes. "[He] is a huge asset to the Savoie." To showcase his dedication to this little known grape, we're exploring a small range of his cuvées:

In the glass, the Chasselas Quintessence 2019 is a clear and clean lemon in color. The nose is bright with citrus and accented with snappy aromas of mint and fresh white flowers. Not unlike great Muscadet, this Chasselas has smells of salty, coastal air. The palate is driven by simple lemon and rounder grapefruit, with a touch of more savory orange oil. Flavors of white pepper and salt add spice and spark. Structurally, there is a slight richness, with high-toned minerality and healthy acidity. On the finish, there is an elegant touch of juniper after the fruit subsides. A great wine at a great price!

A deeper Chasselas, the Un P'tit Coin de Paradis 2019 shows a yellow apple in hue. The nose has less fresh citrus notes than the Quintessence, relying instead on darker cured lemon. Fuller aromas of pear and Alpine smoke add awesome aromatic complexity to this sturdy bouquet. In contrast, the palate here is classic, zippy Chasselas. Crisp orchard fruit, lemon, and a dash of salinity. This dual character of a golden nose and an edgy palate is incredibly compelling and very delicious. The mouthfeel is defined by lightning acidity and a semi-rich body. A lot going on here, especially after some air - so don't drink it too fast...

The Chasselas Amphore 2020 is a light gold in the glass. The nose here is spectacular, full of wintry smells. Split cedar, warm herbs, and dried lemons form a substantial base to airy aromas of chamomile and white flowers. A layered bouquet that promises to develop very well over an evening of drinking. The palate offers an array of zesty flavors, including ginger, salt, and yellow citrus. Some rounder fruits like apple and yellow cherry appear with air. A touch of green tea adds a hint of grassy character. On the tongue, just a whisper of tannic structure is coupled with great acidity. The finish is of a lingering Alpine smokiness. Wow - this is something special!

Chasselas is grown in Chile, Oregon, Italy, and beyond.. and I've tasted many international bottlings that I love. But there is something powerful in the wines of Les Vignes de Paradis, from fruit grown in its native soil. Dominique is a transplant to the Haute-Savoie, but he's dedicated his career to capturing the natural strength of Lac Léman's Chasselas. We've celebrated his success before. Today, we're more than happy to do it again with these distinctly unique current releases - each too good not to share. Drink up! David Hatzopoulos

**Please note, wines in this offer will arrive by 3/11**