Domaine Gramenon, established in 1978, is located in Montbrison-sur-Lez in the Drôme Provençale region, at the first foothills of the Prealps, at an altitude of 350 m. In the northernmost part of the Southern Rhône Valley.

THE TERROIR

The unique character of the Gramenon terroir stems from the limestone ridge (tidal system) that was once covered by the sea (86 million years ago). The uplift of the Alps brought to the surface layers of sand left by the tides, along with a significant limestone deposit, thus forming a plateau 550 m wide with a slight elevation, while the clays were brought in by the river system.

PLANT HERITAGE

Grenache is the grape variety best suited to our latitudes, expressing itself here with elegance and freshness. Proof of this lies in the presence of numerous plots of old vines (50 to 120 years old). The combined influence of the age of the vines (and therefore their deep root systems) and the specific character of the soils gives the wines a distinctive and original profile. To perpetuate the exceptional quality of the vineyard heritage, each new vine planted is propagated through massal selection on the estate.

OUR VINEYARD PRACTICES

Since its founding in 1978, the vineyard has been cultivated naturally and organically. Nevertheless, the need to move towards biodynamic farming became apparent. The first extreme weather events of the 2000s impacted the vitality of the old vines, prompting us to begin biodynamic practices, and DEMETER certification was obtained in 2010. The revitalization of the soil and the strengthening of the vines' defenses were immediate and highly convincing. A new energy is manifesting in the plots. Each plot is considered individually, with its own unique character. This increased vitality in the vineyard is reflected in the quality of the wines. The choice of harvest date is crucial and decisive. The intrinsic quality of the grapes can only be expressed with true ripeness. The harvest is exclusively manual, with careful sorting.

OUR PRACTICES IN THE CELLAR

The primary principle is the utmost respect for the grapes. To achieve this, no crushing equipment is used (pomace pump, auger). The grapes are transported by vibrating table and conveyor belt to the concrete vats. We add sulfites only very lightly after malolactic fermentation, if necessary. Aging takes place in vats for the spring cuvées and in old barrels for the cuvées from old vines. Since purity is the ever-unattainable and utopian ultimate goal, we strive to express the terroir and the grapes as faithfully as possible, without betraying them, adapting as best we can to the characteristics of each vintage.