Rousette de Savoie "Zumile" Adrien Berlioz 2022

Domaine Adrien Berlioz 

Located at the foothills of the Bauges massif, and bordering neighbouring Switzerland and Valle d’Aosta in Italy, the organically farmed vineyards of Domaine Adrien Berlioz in the Savoie region are as picturesque as you might imagine. Adrien took over the family vineyards in 2006, two hectares located near a small village called Chignin at 390m above sea level. With plenty of hard work alongside the pursuit of purity and a certified biodynamic approach to farming, he has grown the vineyard to 5 hectares, transforming it into one of the region’s most prestigious domaines. 

The majority of his parcels are located in Chignin, at the base of the limestone escarpments of the Bauges massif, in a beautiful part of the region close to both Albertville and Chambery. He has divided his vineyards into thirteen different parcels, all of which are vinified separately and farmed with different techniques. Typical for the region his vineyards are extremely steep (sometimes 50% inclination), resting on deep clay-limestone soils. Adrien works without any herbicides or inorganic fertilisers, ploughing by horse or by hand to avoid compressing the soil. Tractor work is not possible in many of his vineyards due to their steepness. 

The Domaine has been certified organic since 2012 and all of the parcels are cultivated using the most natural means possible. The grape varieties are typical of Savoie: Jacquère, Altesse, Malvasia, Bergeron (roussanne), Mondeuse and Persian, all grown without chemical inputs. In the cellar, Adrien vinifies the wines without sulfur and uses different vessels. The results are evident in the incredible mineral drive, intensity and purity of these wines, sure to leave a lasting impression of just how good Savoie wines can be!

A wine made from 15 year old vines, lieu dit “Les Brugnons” in the town of Chignin (Cru Savoie), on a terroir of clay and silt. The vineyard faces south, and is planted to a high density of 8000 vines per hectares. The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small boxes to ensure they arrive in optimal quality. 

In the winery, the grapes are then directly pressed, and vinified by gravity before natural fermentation and winemaking techniques, including a very small amount of sulphur, are used to complete the wine. 

The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks, with an annual production of just 4,000 bottles.

Another aromatice bombshell from Berlioz. Floral notes lead, with honey and ripe white pears elements. In the background there’s a yeasty character, and a hint of smokiness. A multidimensional wine, with intense notes of pear, quince, apricot and ginger up front. It’s powerful, rich and perfectly balanced with a long, mineral finish. One of our absolute favourite whites in the portfolio, allez Altesse.

Grape: 100% Altesse

Organic

Biodynamic certified