La Ferme des 7 Lunes

Located in Bogy, at the northernmost tip of the Saint-Joseph appellation, La Ferme des 7 Lunes (The Farm of the 7 Moons) is the lifework of Jean Delobre. Unlike many estates in the region that focus purely on monoculture, Jean has maintained the property as a "poly-cultural" farm, staying true to the traditional spirit of the Ardèche where vines, grains, and meadows coexist.

Jean took over the family farm in 1984, originally selling his grapes to the local cooperative. However, driven by a desire for autonomy and environmental health, he transitioned to organic farming in 1997, biodynamics in 2001, and eventually began bottling his own "natural" wines.

The Philosophy: Beyond the Vine

The "7 Moons" refers to the cosmic rhythms and the holistic approach Jean takes to his land. He is considered a pioneer of natural winemaking in the Northern Rhône:

• The Farm Concept: Jean continues to grow organic apricots and cereals alongside his vines, believing that this diversity creates a more resilient ecosystem.

• Minimalist Aesthetics: In the cellar, the goal is "purity over power." He avoids the heavy oak and high-extraction styles common in Saint-Joseph, preferring infusion-style winemaking.

• Radical Transparency: Most cuvées are made without any added sulfur (SAINS), though he may add a tiny dose at bottling for specific export markets if the wine requires it.

Technical Profile

Terroir and Vineyard Management The estate covers roughly 7 to 10 hectares of vines situated on the high plateau and steep slopes of Bogy and Sarras. The terroir is characterized by decomposed granite (locally called gore). This granite bedrock is essential for the "vertical" and smoky character of his Syrah. The farm is certified Organic and Biodynamic (Demeter), with a focus on manual labor and herbal treatments to support the vines.

Varietals and Vinification The vineyard is dominated by Syrah for the reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for the whites. In the cellar, Jean utilizes concrete vats and neutral, old oak barrels (demi-muids) to allow for gentle micro-oxygenation without adding wood flavor. Fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts. He famously practices "semi-carbonic" maceration for some cuvées to emphasize the floral and spicy aromatics of the Syrah.

Notable Cuvées

• Saint-Joseph "Pleine Lune": The flagship red. A pure, deep expression of granite-grown Syrah, often aged in old wood for 12 months. It is known for its notes of black pepper, violet, and olives.

• Saint-Joseph "Lune Rousse": A stunning white blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, showing a honeyed texture balanced by a sharp, saline minerality.

• Premier Quartier: A more approachable, fruit-forward Saint-Joseph designed to be enjoyed younger.

• Syrah "Glace" / "Chemin Faisant": These are often labeled as Vin de France, representing Jean’s more experimental or "free" expressions of Syrah, usually made with zero added sulfur.

Contact Information

• Location: Le Village, 07340 Bogy, France

• Phone: +33 (0)4 75 34 86 52

• Email: fermedes7lunes@orange.fr

• Trade Inquiries: Jean is a mainstay at the Renaissance des Appellations and La Dive Bouteille. His wines are highly sought after by natural wine bars in Paris, Tokyo, and New York.