Domaine de Lorient is a family-run, biodynamic winery located in Saint-Péray, Ardèche, in the northern Rhône Valley of France, not to be confused with the town of Lorient in Brittany. Founded in 2014 by Laure Colombo and Dimitri Roulleau-Gallais, the domaine is a small, 6-hectare estate situated at 500 meters altitude on granite and limestone soils. The couple, who describe themselves as "paysans" (peasant farmers), operate a holistic farm that integrates vineyards with animals (sheep, cows, pigs, chickens), a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and wild foraging. Their approach emphasizes harmony with nature, producing natural, organic wines that reflect the unique terroir of Saint-Péray, Saint-Joseph, and Cornas.

Winemaking Philosophy

• Biodynamic and Organic Practices: Certified organic, the domaine goes beyond label requirements with biodynamic methods. They avoid chemical weed killers, use compost from their farm, and maintain soil health with light tillage, cover crops, and local woodchip mulching. Vines are surrounded by forests and meadows, with native hedges planted to enhance biodiversity.

• Manual Cultivation: The steep, terraced vineyards are worked by hand. Grapes are harvested manually, sorted on tables, and fermented with native yeasts in small batches. Sulfite use is minimal, ensuring vibrant, balanced wines.

• Grape Varieties: The domaine focuses on:

  • Roussanne and Marsanne (70%/30% for Saint-Péray whites): Producing aromatic, concentrated whites with notes of yellow fruit, mirabelle, and honeyed flowers.

  • Syrah (for Cornas and Saint-Joseph reds): Yielding structured, savory reds from granite soils, often with whole-cluster fermentation for added complexity.

• Key Cuvées:

  • Saute-Mouton (Saint-Péray, Roussanne/Marsanne): A white wine with a rich, fresh palate, aged in 228L and 400L barrels, noted for its balance and digestibility.

  • Cornas La Cabane des Chasseurs (Syrah): From a small, high-altitude parcel, this red is concentrated yet elegant, with spicy and fruity notes.

  • Other Saint-Péray and Saint-Joseph cuvées, emphasizing low-intervention winemaking.

Background

• Founders: Laure Colombo, daughter of renowned Cornas winemakers Anne and Jean-Luc Colombo, grew up in the Rhône Valley and returned to her roots after studying commerce and working abroad. Dimitri Roulleau-Gallais, her partner, shares her passion for sustainable farming. They transformed a neglected farm into a thriving ecosystem.

• Farm Ecosystem: Beyond wine, the domaine produces grapes, vegetables, fruit, honey, olive oil, and meat, aiming for self-sufficiency. Their holistic approach integrates livestock and crops to enrich the land and reduce external inputs.

• Terroir: The vineyards are located on steep coteaux in Saint-Péray, Saint-Joseph, and Cornas, with granite and limestone soils that impart minerality and structure to the wines. The high altitude (500m for Saint-Péray) adds freshness.