Domaine des Ardoisières - Argile Blanc 2025
The Domaine des Ardoisières was born from the desire to bring life back to the steep slopes of the Combe de Savoie, long abandoned due to their difficulty of cultivation. Located in Fréterive, Brice Omont continues this work of reconquest on sometimes spectacular slopes, mainly cultivated by hand. The vineyard is set in an alpine landscape marked by reliefs, fresh air currents, and strong temperature variations between day and night. The vines are managed according to the principles of organic and biodynamic farming, with particular attention paid to soil life. The geological diversity of the plots, between schists, marls, and clays, gives the wines an immediately recognizable mineral tension. Argile Blanc comes from the slopes of Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy, facing west and located on the opposite side of the valley compared to the famous vineyards of Cevins. The cuvée stands out for a softer and more accessible expression than the great single-vineyard wines of the estate, while retaining a true alpine depth.
Argile Blanc 2025 blends 40% Jacquère, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Mondeuse Blanche. The vines are planted on soils mixing schistous marls, compact black schists, and more clayey layers. This geological combination brings freshness, structure, and a persistent mineral sensation. The grapes are hand-harvested, then gently pressed whole cluster to preserve the finesse of the juices. After a light cold settling, fermentations start thanks to indigenous yeasts specific to each plot. Vinification and aging take place in tanks, without seeking a woody character, for about nine months. The 2025 vintage thus offers a dry, taut, and fleshy white wine, in which Jacquère brings energy, Chardonnay its texture, and Mondeuse Blanche its aromatic relief.
The color shows a bright light yellow, crossed with silvery reflections. The nose opens on fresh pear, crunchy apple, and white peach, then evolves towards candied lemon, mountain flowers, and a slight note of fern. Upon aeration, nuances of white pepper, fresh almond, and wet stone appear. The palate has a lively attack, quickly supported by a fuller and delicately creamy body. The orchard fruit remains precise, framed by a clear acidity and fine bitterness that prolong the freshness sensation. A saline and stony dimension accompanies the finish, with a return to citrus, dry herbs, and zest. Argile Blanc will accompany scallops, lake fish, smoked trout, quenelles, cream poultry, or matured Savoyard cheeses.
Grape varieties: 40% Jacquère, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Mondeuse Blanche
