Ardèche Gryphe Domaine des Accoles 2017

Florence and Olivier Leriche studied at the same universities in Bordeaux and then Dijon. In 1998, they took over the technical management of Domaine de l'Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges, a biodynamic domaine. In 2005, they bought a house in Privas as a renovation project. They soon fell in love with the Ardeche terroirs and when the opportunity arose in 2010 to buy some vines in Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche, they jumped on it. Domaine des Accoles was created in 2011 and spans 21 hectares. The vines have an average age of 50 years and are planted on clay and limestone rich terraces. In fact, the name means “terraces” in the local dialect Occitan. 12 different grape varieties are grown, and no pesticide or chemical inputs are used. The vines are cover cropped and the domaine started its conversion to organics in 2011 and received certification in 2014. In 2015 they received biodynamic certification. In the cave (a former mill), a proportion of the grapes are vinified in whole clusters, always with native yeasts and a gentle pressing. Sulphur is used sparingly and élevage privileges fruit and freshness. This domaine produces nine different cuvées that all stand out for their freshness, elegance, and pleasant fruit aromas.