Introducing Domaine Les Grandes Vignes

10/14/16 -

Here at Chambers Street, we typically shy away from large estates, and champion winemakers with tiny plots and horse-drawn plows, but occasionally there are exceptions to the rule! Enter Domaine Les Grandes Vignes, a family estate of about 50 hectares (over 100 acres) of vines in the Loire Valley. They may seem "grand" in scale compared to some of our favorite Loire estates, but all the vineyard work is certified organic and Biodynamic, the prices are very reasonable, and the wines are truly compelling examples of some classic and lesser known Loire varieties.

We first tasted with Jean-François Vaillant of Domaine Les Grandes Vignes two years ago in France, and were immediately impressed with the sheer breadth of the offerings and the balance and purity of fruit across the board. Anjou reds and whites, fun no-sulfur cuvées, sparkling wines, a delicious Bonnezeaux (among numerous off-dry and sweet offerings), and even some amphora wines! Every question we had about the work in the vineyard and cellar was met with enthusiastic explanations of Biodynamic treatments, cover crops, and pied-de-cuves (to ensure favorable yeasts for their no-sulfur wines). Here was a family proud of their hard work, and due to their large acreage (and generations of history in the region), able to offer a slew of great wines at fantastic prices.

The domaine was first established by the Vaillant family in the 17th century, and has continued as a family estate to this day. All of their vines are farmed without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or insecticides, and are certified organic and Biodynamic. It’s a lot of work, but they have a big family, and a trusted team of vineyard workers whom they employ year round. Herbs and perrenials are planted annually, along with hedges and bushes. Treatments in the vineyard include various biodynamic preparations, tisanes, manure, and compost, with plant infusions and small amounts of copper and sulfur used to prevent mildew. Pruning and plowing are planned in accord with the lunar cycle.

Soils range from grey and green schist, phtanite, quartz, and ‘falun coquillé,’ to various gravelly and sandy types. Most of the wines spend between 6 and 12 months in barrels and tanks, with a stock of over 300 barrels on hand to ensure optimum vinification and ageing. Red wines are bottled without filtration or added sulfur, while whites usually see a tiny addition of sulfur at bottling. 

This first offering from Grandes Vignes introduces some of their dry reds and whites, all of which are perfect for ushering in the fall. Enjoy, and stay tuned for their sparkling, amphora, and off-dry wines arriving later this year! 

Eben Lillie