September 11, 2024 - 0 comments
Ça Grappe: Cédric Genieys' project
Located in the Bergerac wine region of Dordogne, on six hectares of land, Cédric, the founder of Ça Grappe, made a bold career change. Eager to reconnect with nature and embrace artisanal production, he chose winemaking as a way to create something tangible. This choice allows him to control every step of the process—from vineyard to bottle—without relying on external additives.
Since settling in 2022, Cédric has continued the biodynamic practices established by the previous owner in the 1990s. "As early as the 1990s, biodynamic wine was being produced here. My predecessor rejected the use of chemicals long before certification labels existed," he explains. Today, Cédric maintains this approach, emphasizing simple and natural methods.
When discussing Ça Grappe, Cédric describes it as a thoughtful, almost philosophical project. The name of the estate, deliberately simple and unconventional, reflects his desire to break away from traditional labels. "I didn’t want a 'château' or a 'domain.' Ça Grappe is a playful name, easy to remember, and it mirrors the character of my wines: accessible, honest, and grounded in the earth."
This philosophy is also evident in his viticultural practices, which prioritize manual harvesting, the use of indigenous yeasts, and a strong commitment to craftsmanship. For Cédric, manual harvesting is not just a technique but a vital moment that breathes life into the vines.
Located on the slopes of Montravel, a terroir known for its clay-limestone soils, Cédric approaches the concept of "terroir wine" with humility. He believes that the work done with the grape plays a more decisive role than the terroir itself. His goal is to let the fruit fully express itself through light, fresh wines, free from excess tannins or alcohol.
The cuvée that best reflects Cédric's approach is undoubtedly the "One Shot". Although it changes every year based on his inspiration, it always keeps the same name and label. The first vintage of 2023, inspired by the local country wines, is made entirely from malbec grapes, expressing both the terroir and Cédric's creativity.
