Dominique Lucas manages two domaines. One is in Pommard, in Burgundy, and the other, Les Vignes de Paradis, in Savoie. Les Vignes du Paradis is situated in Ballaison, close to Thonon-les-Bains, on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s therefore no surprise that this domaine grows beautiful Chasselas grapes, one of Switzerland’s finest white grape varieties. Alongside Chasselas, Dominique Lucas chose to forego production of Crépy AOC wines on his 6 hectares of vines, in order to be able to produce the best possible cuvées of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Sauvignon and Pinot Gris. The wines are labeled with the IGP Vin des Allobroges. Every effort is made to pick the best grapes possible and vinify them appropriately: biodynamic viticulture, harvesting with successive selections, long fermentation, élevage in barrels, egg-shaped vats and amphora. An excellent domaine whose high-quality wines are works of pure alchemy.

Les Vignes du Paradis, a Savoyard estate with 7.5 hectares of vineyards, works with the expert knowledge that has been passed down through five generations. Produced here is the Aux Détours du Lac cuvée, a reference to Lake Geneva. The Gamay grapes which make up this wine undergo meticulous organic farming and are collected by hand once fully matured. Once the harvest is in, the vineyards are turned over to sheep for grazing to maintain the soils, and the estate uses medicinal plants from the mountains and essential oils to treat the vines.
Meticulously sorted, both on the vine and on a vibrating sorting table, the Gamay grapes undergo traditional vinification, which notably includes a long maturation period.
The wine is best enjoyed young, revealing a lovely ruby-red colour with purplish tints. Hints of red fruits, cherries and sweet spices make for a smooth and fresh palate, structured by crisp tannins.