Vin des Allobroges Chasselas Quintessence Les Vignes de Paradis 2017

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.

Chasselas is a real source of pride for Swiss vineyards, but is relatively little-known in France. Dominique Lucas produces a wonderful expression of this grape variety. The wine exudes yellow fruits aromas on the nose. On the palate, it’s rather reminiscent of the great Muscadets aged on lees: its freshness completely enrobed in great substance, with a touch of sweetness. Chasselas’ paradox is its relatively neutral pH combined with a lower alcohol content, lending a sublime freshness. A wonderful find, offering unbeatable value for money.