Alexandre MICHEL

Domaine Les Lendemains qui Chantent

Alexandre Michel's journey to becoming a winemaker is as unique as the wines he crafts. A former literature student and photographer, he traded in books and cameras for vines and grapes, bringing a profound sense of sensitivity and artistry to the winemaking process. In 2018, he established Domaine Les Lendemains qui Chantent near Mirabel in the Southern Ardèche region of France. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: to create vibrant, expressive wines that are a true reflection of their terroir through a hands-on, low-intervention approach.

A Philosophy of Respect and Expression

Alexandre's winemaking is a testament to his belief in natural, honest practices. The name of his domaine, which translates to "the tomorrows that sing," speaks to his optimistic and poetic vision. His approach is built on three core pillars:

  • Organic Principles: The vineyards are farmed with deep respect for the land. While some are already certified organic, others are in conversion, all farmed with minimal intervention, avoiding chemicals and favoring manual labor.

  • Terroir-Driven Wines: The unique character of the Ardèche terroir is the hero of every bottle. Alexandre uses minimal treatments and no added sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to ensure the voice of the land comes through clearly.

  • Low-Intervention Winemaking: From hand-harvesting to relying on native yeasts for fermentation, Alexandre's goal is to guide the process without imposing his will on it. This results in wines that are pure, lively, and full of personality.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Nestled on the steep, clay-limestone slopes of Montfleury hill, at an altitude of around 300 meters, the vineyards span approximately 3.5 hectares. This challenging terroir is perfect for cultivating a diverse range of grape varieties, each contributing its own character to the final wines.

  • Location: Montfleury hill, Mirabel (Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron), Ardèche

  • Vineyard Area: ~3.5 hectares of steep, clay-limestone slopes

  • Grape Varieties: The vineyards are home to Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, and Gamay, providing a versatile palette for Alexandre's creations.

  • Farming Practices: The commitment to organic farming is evident in the meticulous care of the vines, which includes manual labor, cover cropping, and limited treatments to maintain the health and vitality of the ecosystem.

Winemaking and Innovation

Alexandre's winemaking is a blend of tradition and creative innovation. He favors simple, time-honored techniques but isn't afraid to experiment to achieve the desired result.

  • Harvesting & Pressing: All grapes are meticulously hand-picked into small crates to preserve their integrity. The initial pressing was done with a traditional manual ratchet press, now supplemented by a pneumatic press for greater precision.

  • Fermentation & Aging: Fermentation and aging take place in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel, fiberglass, and various sizes of barrels and demi-muids. The wines achieve natural stability by spending time on their lees, a testament to the hands-off approach.

  • Unique Techniques: One of Alexandre's unique touches is his creative use of CO₂ from fermentation to enable a natural, in-situ carbonic maceration process, adding a distinctive freshness and fruitiness to some of his wines.

Signature Wines to Discover

Alexandre's wines are known for their evocative names and distinct personalities. They reflect his artistic background and the unique story of each vintage.

  • Forficule – An expressive and aromatic Viognier.

  • Salut À Toi – A vibrant and elegant Chardonnay.

  • Pulpe Friction – A lively Syrah made with a semi-carbonic maceration, bursting with fruit.

  • La Rage Qui Touche – A more hands-off, purist style of Syrah, showcasing the grape's raw power and elegance.

  • ChâtoMékouye (Sans Gluten) – A playful and approachable Gamay made via carbonic maceration.

  • GRRR (2023) – A bold and generous blend of Grenache and Syrah.