At Domaine Denis and Didier Berthollier, a passion for viticulture and a love of the land have been ingrained for generations. With a deep respect for our Savoyard lands and an unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on creating Savoie, Persan, and Mondeuse red wines that embody our heritage and modern vision of viticulture. In this article, we invite you to delve into the heart of our estate, explore the richness of our grape varieties, and discover the meticulous care we take at every stage of our winemaking process.
1) An Introduction to Our Field
At Domaine Denis and Didier Berthollier, we believe that every bottle of wine tells a unique story. Our story begins decades ago, when our father and grandfather planted the first vines on these mountain slopes. Today, with a dedicated team and unwavering passion, we are proud to continue writing this story through our wines.
2) The Essence of Savoy Red Wine
Savoie red wine is much more than just a beverage. It reflects the region's rich winemaking history, its diverse terroirs, and the expertise of its passionate winemakers. Savoie red wines are characterized by their versatility and ability to pair with a wide variety of dishes. Whether enjoyed on their own to savor their complexity or with a meal, these wines are a celebration of the region's culture and tradition.
Located in the French Alps, the Savoie region is blessed with unique geoclimatic conditions that contribute to the creation of characterful red wines. Savoie's vineyards are nestled between majestic mountains, where the sun's rays and cool breezes combine to shape the terroir of each plot. The varied soils, ranging from glacial moraines to rocky slopes, add a distinctive dimension to Savoie's red wines.
3) La Mondeuse de Savoie: A Wine Treasure
Among the iconic grape varieties that distinguish Savoie red wines, Mondeuse de Savoie occupies a prominent place. This indigenous variety thrives in the region's sun-drenched vineyards, making a vital contribution to Savoie's winemaking identity. Wines made from Mondeuse de Savoie captivate the senses with their depth, distinct aromas, and elegance. Mondeuse de Savoie offers intense aromas of dark fruits such as blackberry and black cherry, complemented by subtle spicy and floral notes. This combination creates a rich and intriguing olfactory experience that prepares the palate for the tasting to come. On the palate, Mondeuse wines reveal a balanced tannic structure, which provides a silky texture and excellent aging potential.
4) Terroir and Vinification: The Art of Capturing Expression
The Savoie terroir plays a vital role in the creation of red wines, including Mondeuse de Savoie. Vineyards nestled between mountains, varied soils, and climatic influences create a unique environment for growing this grape variety. Savoie winemakers know that the key to quality lies in a deep understanding of their terroir and how to express it in each bottle.
The soils where our vines are grown come mainly from glacial moraines, predominantly clay-limestone. Our red grape varieties are planted mainly in two areas of Chignin: on one side, on the slopes of the Savoyarde mountain, on limestone scree, facing due west, this is where we find our Mondeuses. And on the other side, in the area located between the "bosse" des Châteaux and the slopes of the Savoyarde, a terroir more suited to our Gamay, Pinot Noir and Persian.
Our red grape varieties (Mondeuse, Gamay, Pinot Noir and Persian) were the first to be converted to organic farming in 2017. The soils were already well prepared for this conversion thanks to the complete cessation of all use of chemical inputs since 2011. 2020 was the first vintage to have AB certification. The soils are maintained by scratching and mowing. All work is carried out by hand and by horse, to avoid damaging the soil and the vines. Some biodynamic techniques are also being introduced, such as the use of macerates and herbal teas, to nourish the vines and strengthen their immune defenses. Moreover, we began Demeter certification this year, which guarantees biodynamic agriculture.
Our red grape varieties are harvested entirely by hand (no harvesting machines) to preserve the quality of the grapes and therefore their juice. The wines are vinified in barrels (demi-muids) and/or amphorae (terracotta), without sulfur. The aging is long, minimum 12 months, up to 18 months for our Mondeuse Les Granges Tissot. Bottling is carried out according to the lunar calendar.
Our Mondeuse and Persian wines are aged partly in amphorae made of terracotta (clay). This material, more neutral than wood, allows for optimal oxygenation and promotes the development of the wine's natural aromas. The wines are perfectly balanced between fruitiness, spices, and fine tannins.
5) Persian Red: A Treasure of the Savoyard Terroir
Among our wine treasures is Persan, an ancient Savoyard grape variety that has regained its place at the heart of our vineyards. We are committed to preserving the authenticity of this grape variety by cultivating our vines with care, respecting the rhythms of nature, and using environmentally friendly methods.
6) Persian Arbyolâ: A Revolution in the World of Wine
Our "Persan Arbyolâ" vintage is an illustration of our constant quest for innovation. Produced from a plot of vines planted in 2018, on the heights of our village "Le Viviers", after being left fallow for almost 20 years, this vintage is intended as a tribute to this ancient grape variety, native to the Maurienne valley.
7) The Renaissance of Savoy Red Wines
Over the years, the red wines of Savoie, including Mondeuse de Savoie and Persan de Savoie, have gained recognition and admiration. The region's winemakers have worked passionately to perfect their techniques and create wines of exceptional quality. Today, Savoie red wines are sought after by wine lovers around the world for their authenticity, distinctive character, and ability to tell the region's story.
Savoie red wines have gone from being a well-kept treasure to a true star of the wine scene. Winemakers have modernized their production methods while remaining faithful to the traditions that made these wines so special. Vinification and aging techniques have evolved, resulting in particularly accomplished wines.
FAQ:
Can we buy your wines online?
Yes, our wines are available for purchase online at our shop here .
What makes your Persian wines so unique?
Our Persian wines are distinguished by their fruity, spicy character and elegant tannins, reflecting the Savoyard terroir.
What are the emblematic grape varieties of our estate?
Within our estate, we cultivate grape varieties such as Persan, Gamay, Jacquère, Bergeron, Mondeuse.
How can we contact your domain to find out more?
You can contact us by phone at 04 79 28 11 75 or visit our official website here .