Schiste blanc 2022, Domaine des Ardoisières

Domaine des Ardoisières - Schiste 2020

• Producer: Domaine des Ardoisières (Brice Omont)
• Region: Savoie (IGP Vin des Allobroges), France
• Grape Varieties: 40% Jacquère, 30% Roussanne, 20% Malvoisie (Pinot Gris), 10% Mondeuse Blanche
• Wine Style: Opulent, pure, and mineral mountain wine
• Certification: Vin Nature (Natural Wine)

The Story: The Ultimate Benchmark of the French Alps

Domaine des Ardoisières is undoubtedly the absolute pioneer and quality benchmark of the Savoie region. Under the guidance of the talented Brice Omont, this estate has become a legend within the French natural wine world. On the breathtakingly steep slopes of the French Alps, authentic local grape varieties are meticulously tended to by hand. The result is a unique mountain cuvée that demonstrates just how grand, energetic, and gastronomically layered top-tier wines from this region can be.

Extreme Viticulture on Pure Slate

The terroir behind the "Schiste" is nothing short of spectacular. The vineyards are located on dizzying, sun-drenched slopes with a gradient of no less than 60%, perfectly oriented to the south and southeast. Here, the soil consists entirely of mineral-rich schiste (slate). This forces the roots of the old vines to dig deep into the rock, giving the wine its fabulous tension and deep, saline character.

Tasting Note

The Schiste 2020 is an opulent and layered mountain wine with an unprecedentedly pure expression. The bouquet unfolds a refined interplay of ripe pear, apricot, and rosehip, elegantly followed by notes of lightly toasted nuts and underlying wild alpine herbs. On the palate, the structure is truly incredible: a seductive, soft creaminess perfectly countered by a razor-sharp, intense salinity that leaves you wanting to lick your lips. Savoie of the very highest quality.

Vinification: Resting in Mature Barrels

In the cellar, a philosophy of minimal intervention reigns supreme. Following a careful manual harvest and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine is given all the time it needs to develop. The blend ages for a full year in young wooden barrels (intentionally no new oak, to avoid masking the pure fruit and terroir). In line with the Vin Nature philosophy, the wine is bottled unfiltered with little to no added sulfites.

Serving Tip & Food Pairing

In our experience, this wine needs a little time after opening to reveal all its secrets. Decanting it about 30 minutes in advance ensures an optimal drinking experience! This is a fantastic food wine with tremendous aging potential. Stunning with rich fish dishes, pan-seared sweetbreads, poultry with creamy morel sauces, or refined, hard mountain cheeses such as a well-aged Beaufort.

• Aging Potential: A grand experience right now, but possesses the structure to evolve beautifully in the cellar for another 5 to 10 years.