Explore the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation on an immersive tour of Domaine des Louis, a story of passion for winemaking passed down through generations. Julien Dreveton, a young winemaker who has been running the estate since the 2018 vintage, continues the work of his two great-great-grandfathers, both named “Louis,” who were already cultivating vines in the early 1900s.
On 5.5 hectares of certified organic vineyards, Julien meticulously produces 4 exceptional cuvées under the Crozes-Hermitage appellation: 2 elegant whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne, and 2 robust 100% Syrah reds. Each bottle embodies a love for the land and a respect for the winemaking traditions of the northern Rhône Valley.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE VINEYARDS
Explore the estate's vineyard plots and discover the exceptional terroir of the “Chassis,” the clayey-sandy and stony alluvial soils of the Rhône River that give the wines their unique character. Julien will explain to you his philosophy of responsible land management, his organic practices, and the importance of preserving this family heritage for future generations.
CELLAR TOUR
Immerse yourself in the world of artisanal winemaking and learn the secrets of how the domain's wines are produced. From the morning hand harvest to the aging methods in stainless-steel vats, frusto-conical concrete vats, and demi-muids, Julien will walk you through each step: destemming, maceration, pumping over, cold fermentation, and aging. Learn about the technical choices that make the difference between the classic cuvées and the Quintessence cuvées.
GUIDED TASTING OF 4 CUVÉES
Enjoy the winery's wines, subject to availability and the current vintages:
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc R&M: A harmonious blend of 75% Marsanne and 25% Roussanne. Golden color, rich and fresh nose, generous palate with excellent liveliness.
Crozes-Hermitage Rouge S: 100% Syrah grown on stony alluvial soils. Aromas of fresh strawberry and spicy notes, with silky, delicate tannins. A delightful and approachable wine.
Quintessence-S (Red): A premium cuvée sourced from 40-year-old vines. Intense purple color, complex nose of candied fruits, mocha, candied orange, and coconut. Opulent and elegant on the palate. Aged for 10 months in demi-muids (600-liter barrels).
Quintessence-R (white): 100% Roussanne, vinified and aged entirely in demi-muids (600-liter barrels) for 10 months. Intense golden color, powerful nose with notes of almond, jasmine, and cardamom. Rich and lively on the palate.
AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE
This tour, lasting approximately 1 hour, offers you a fully immersive experience of the day-to-day life of a small, family-run winery. Julien passionately shares his expertise, his family's history, and his vision of environmentally friendly winemaking. This is a friendly and enriching experience for wine lovers and anyone curious to discover the secrets of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation in the prestigious northern Rhône Valley.
