Domaine de l'Avellan - Mathieu Dodin

Located at nearly 400 meters altitude, in the Babaou pass in the heart of the Massif des Maures, the estate benefits from a unique terroir, ideal for producing characterful wines. The vines, planted more than 75 years ago, form the historical backbone of the vineyard and bear witness to a living heritage.

In 2018, after studying biology and gaining agricultural experience abroad, Mathieu Dodin settled on the estate with a clear objective: to revitalize the soil and establish sustainable viticulture practices. The conversion to organic farming began immediately upon taking over the estate, alongside diversification efforts including olive trees, laying hens, and the gradual restoration of old chestnut trees.

The estate is committed to limiting the use of machinery to the bare minimum, favoring precise, minimally invasive manual interventions. The harvest is done exclusively by hand to preserve the integrity of the grapes.

Soil health is a major focus of the work undertaken. Its natural balance is preserved by minimizing mechanical work, so as not to disturb the living structure and the fauna that inhabit it. Fertility is maintained through the application of locally produced compost and the sowing of green manure, which nourishes the soil and promotes intense biological activity. Winter grazing by sheep also plays a role in this approach, providing organic matter and biodiversity while maintaining controlled ground cover.

This approach fosters remarkable biodiversity: wild lavender, rockroses, wild leeks and asparagus, immortelle, and other Mediterranean plants thrive among the vines. The vineyard also hosts rare orchids, found only in the Massif des Maures, a sign of a preserved ecosystem. This floral richness is complemented by a diverse fauna—beneficial insects, birds, and soil microfauna—which naturally contribute to the estate's balance.

The creation of the winery in 2024, after seven years dedicated to restoring the vineyard, marks a decisive step. It now allows for the direct vinification on-site of wines made without additives, with limited use of sulfites. These high-altitude wines authentically express the unique character of their terroir and the artisanal philosophy that guides each stage of their production.