Dominique Lucas - Quintessence - Chasselas 2018
Just outside the small village of Ballaisons, on slopes overlooking Lake Geneva, Dominique farms 10 hectares which 2.5 of them are in Burgundy in the Haute Côte de Beaune and Pommard appellation. Dominique Lucas is the 5th generation of a family of Burgundian winemakers. After completing oenology school, he opted out of returning to the family estate simply because he did not want to work within the strict oversight of the AOC, choosing instead to settle in the Haut Savoie in 2008.
The vineyards are certified organic (also practicing biodynamic). His vines are separated into 27 parcels of different soil composition, each of which is harvested by hand and vinified separately. He is deeply committed to Chasselas, and has also added tiny parcels of Savagnin, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Dominique vinifies his grapes in an array of different amphorae, barrels, and concrete eggs. Fermentations occur naturally and the only addition to the wines is a bit of sulphur at bottling.
Quintessence is made from Chasselas. The grapes used for this cuvée are from a recently started négociant project and is fermented in cuve before being aged partially in 600L barrel. Dominique says it takes 2.5 months to harvest here as Chasselas takes so long to ripen.
Grape variety: 100% Chasselas