Domaine De L’Enviegne - Alexis Tondeur

Domaine De L'Enviegne is a very young wine estate created in 2021.

The estate is gradually being established on just under 4 hectares located in the communes of Ballaison and Douvaine (74), half of which is newly planted and the other half planted with old vines, some of which are over 60 years old. The historical grape variety is Chasselas Blanc, while the old vines and new plantings have been planted with Pinot Noir, Altesse, and Mondeuse Noire. Massal selection has been used to promote diversity within the plots, and cover crops are maintained to limit soil erosion and thus preserve the ecosystems.

In the vineyard, cultivation follows organic farming standards. Treatments are carried out using reduced doses of copper and sulfur, supplemented with fermented plant extracts. Soil cultivation is shallow, the plots are mostly sloping, and mechanical work is done exclusively with tracked vehicles to avoid soil compaction. Many tasks are performed according to the lunar calendar, including pruning, canopy management, and harvesting.

The grapes are harvested by hand, in 20kg crates, to avoid crushing them and thus promote further fermentation. Fermentation is either carried out with semi-destemmed grapes, macerating for over two weeks, or by direct pressing, which, following simple settling, triggers spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This fermentation proceeds without any additives until bottling. Bottling takes place after aging on the lees for over nine months, in tanks or barrels. Bottling also follows the lunar calendar. There is no filtration or fining of the wines, which preserves their aromatic character and allows them to fully express the potential of this grape variety.