From the Office to the Alpine Slopes
Domaine des Côtes Rousses is one of Savoie's most exciting and rapidly ascending natural wine estates — a 5.5-hectare property founded by Nicolas Ferrand in 2013 in the Combe de Savoie, on the steep slopes of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte. Nicolas is a first-generation winemaker who turned his back on a comfortable office career to become a paysan-vigneron — a farmer-winemaker — in the very landscapes where his grandfather once herded Tarentaise cattle. After studying politics in Lyon and working as a land manager for Savoie's chamber of agriculture, he realised that office work was not for him. In 2011, he officially took on the title of winegrower, transforming a family hobby — generations who made wine solely for their own table — into a profession. The domaine takes its name from the lieu-dit Champ Roux, where most of the vines are located — a historical terroir with russet-coloured clay soils ('roux' and the feminine 'rousse' translate as russet). Today, alongside his wife Marielle, Nicolas farms organically and biodynamically (Demeter certified since 2021) across steep, south-facing slopes that climb from 350 to 580 metres altitude. The vineyards are ploughed by horse, weeded by grazing sheep (shared with Brice Omont of Domaine des Ardoisières), and planted to a remarkable density of 10,000 vines per hectare. The result is wines of extraordinary purity, tension, and Alpine character — Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, and Pinot Noir that taste like the mountains themselves: fresh, mineral, saline, and alive.
From Politics to the Mountain Pastures
The Nicolas Ferrand story begins not in a vineyard but in a university classroom in Lyon, where he studied politics — a world of theory, debate, and distant abstraction. After graduating, he took a job as a land manager for Savoie's chamber of agriculture, a respectable position that kept him in offices and meetings rather than fields and vines. But Nicolas soon discovered that office work was not for him. The call of the land, of physical labour, of tangible creation, was too strong to ignore.
The turning point came in 2011, when Nicolas officially took on the title of winegrower. His family had made wine for generations, but solely for their own table — a hobby, not a profession. They were cattle and dairy farmers who used the high landscapes of the French Alps to rear their animals. Nicolas's grandfather had herded Tarentaise cattle up these very slopes, and the buildings that now house the winery were once his grandparents' livestock barns. This lineage deeply influences Nicolas's philosophy: "A good vigneron has earth stuck to his boots." He is proud of his peasant heritage, and it informs every decision he makes.
In 2013, fellow vigneron Mathieu Goury alerted Nicolas that 1.5 hectares had become available in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte — undoubtedly one of Savoie's finest terroirs and an area Nicolas held dear from his family's history. He seized the opportunity, and Domaine des Côtes Rousses was born. The first few years were hectic: Nicolas worked for Pascal Quenard, looked after his own vines, and studied in Beaune simultaneously. He was joined by his wife Marielle, and together they progressively added to their holdings, reaching 5.5 hectares of meticulously farmed vines.
Today, Domaine des Côtes Rousses is certified biodynamic by Demeter (since 2021), though Nicolas had been working with organic and biodynamic practices from the very beginning. The estate has earned genuine respect very quickly — as wine writer Wink Lorch noted, "With his obvious dedication to his craft, clear-thinking attitude and a wine quality that has been evident from the start, Nicolas Ferrand has earned genuine respect very quickly." These are wines of character, from well-farmed land, by a producer who has been successful in his natural approach — and who should, as Lorch predicts, become a staple in every Savoie wine lover's cellar.
"With his obvious dedication to his craft, clear-thinking attitude and a wine quality that has been evident from the start, Nicolas Ferrand has earned genuine respect very quickly."
— Wink Lorch, Wines of the French Alps
Red Clay, Limestone & the Mediterranean in the Alps
Domaine des Côtes Rousses' vineyards are located in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, in the Combe de Savoie, on the steep slopes of the Massif des Bauges. The terroir is extraordinary: laminated marl with high content of limestone, red clay, limestone scree, and moraine soils. The slopes are steep — up to 45 degrees — with a southern exposure that captures maximum sunlight. The altitude ranges from 350 to 580 metres, creating a unique microclimate that, surprisingly, resembles the Mediterranean more than the Alps.
This Mediterranean character is one of the estate's most distinctive features. The southern exposure, steep slopes, and lower altitude of this particular part of the Combe de Savoie offer growing conditions similar to Provence — as exemplified by the presence of truffles, cicadas, almond trees, and a multitude of wild herbs such as thyme, marjoram, and oregano. It is an Alpine vineyard with a southern soul, creating wines that combine mountain freshness with Mediterranean warmth and complexity.
The vines are planted at a remarkable density of 10,000 plants per hectare — a Burgundian spacing that forces the vines to compete, driving their roots deep into the poor soils and creating concentration and complexity in the grapes. The vines range from 20 to 60+ years old, with most parcels averaging 30 years. The "Armenaz" cuvée comes from stunning 30-year-old vines at 580 metres altitude — one of the highest and coolest parcels in the cru of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte. The "Coteau de la Mort" — the slope of death — reaches 40% gradient in some parts, a physically demanding terroir first planted by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, abandoned in the 1930s, and recently replanted in 1999 at the same 10,000 plants/ha density.
Farming is certified organic from day one and biodynamic since 2021 (Demeter). Nicolas is deeply committed to ancestral agricultural methods — much of his land is ploughed by horses, and sheep (shared with Brice Omont of Domaine des Ardoisières) roam through the vineyards in winter, eating weeds and fertilising as they go. Nicolas started using plant infusions against diseases in 2018, completing the transition to full biodynamic certification. He loves animals and is keen on working alongside them whenever possible — a philosophy that connects him to his family's farming heritage and to the land itself.
Laminated marl with high limestone content. Red clay, limestone scree, moraine soils. The lieu-dit Champ Roux — russet-coloured clay that gives the domaine its name. Distinctive mineral backbone and saline character.
15–45% gradients, up to 580m altitude. 10,000 vines/ha density. Southern exposure capturing maximum sun. The "Coteau de la Mort" at 40% gradient. Physically demanding, spiritually rewarding terroir.
Most densely planted vineyards ploughed by horse. Sheep shared with Domaine des Ardoisières roam in winter, eating weeds and fertilising. Animal-powered agriculture. No herbicides, no synthetic shortcuts.
Truffles, cicadas, almond trees, wild herbs. Thyme, marjoram, oregano growing wild. Alpine vineyard with southern soul. Mountain freshness meets Mediterranean warmth. The unique character of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte.
Indigenous Yeasts, Whole Bunches & Extended Élevage
At Domaine des Côtes Rousses, the cellar philosophy is one of minimal intervention, extended élevage, and profound respect for the grape's natural expression. Nicolas's goal is to make "single-ingredient wines" — wines that are as honest as possible, reflections of their terroirs, their vintage, and the mood of the winegrowers. He vinifies with indigenous yeasts, without additions, and has been progressively extending his élevages since 2020 in order to eliminate fining and filtration entirely. Some wines are bottled without sulfur, others see tiny doses of 10mg/l pre-bottling depending on their strength and stability.
The techniques are precise and evolving:
Harvest: All grapes are hand-harvested from the steep, south-facing slopes. Selection begins in the vineyard and continues at the cellar door. The low yields — a consequence of the dense planting, poor soils, and meticulous farming — ensure that only concentrated, healthy fruit enters the cellar.
Whites: The Jacquère and Altesse are vinified on total lees — a technique that builds texture, complexity, and natural stability. The whites are aged in a combination of Alsatian foudres, sandstone amphorae, and old barrels. The "La Pente" cuvée, for example, is aged 6–8 months in 25% old oak, 25% sandstone amphorae, and 50% foudre. The amphorae bring tension and a welcome reduction, while the foudres allow gentle micro-oxygenation without adding wood tannins.
Reds: Nicolas prefers 100% whole-bunch fermentation for his Mondeuse — a semi-carbonic maceration in cement tanks with no remontages or pigeages. This gentle extraction preserves the grape's delicate aromatics and prevents the wine from becoming too tannic or heavy. For the "Coteau de la Mort," there is no pigeage or remontage during a 14-day cuvaison, and the élevage takes place in demi-muids (including one Stockinger) for around ten months. Nicolas is phasing out small barrels in favour of terracotta and demi-muids for the reds, seeking the purest expression of the grape without oak influence.
Ageing: From 2020, élevages were extended in order not to fine or filtrate anymore. Nicolas believes that time is the best clarifier — patience allows the wines to settle naturally, developing complexity and stability without intervention. The rare manipulations on the wine are scheduled according to the principles of biodynamics and the lunar calendar, preserving the wine's original purity.
Bottling: No fining, no filtration (since 2020). Some wines bottled without sulfur, others with 0–18mg/l total SO₂ — only added before bottling, never during vinification. Nicolas notes that it's easy to work with low sulfur when the pH is as low as 3, a natural advantage of the Alpine terroir. The wines are honest, pure, and alive.
The portfolio is a focused range of white and red cuvées, each named with a connection to the land, the history, or the people who helped build the domaine:
"La Pente" (The Slope): The estate's flagship Jacquère — 20 different parcels on steep slopes with limestone scree. Aged in 50% foudre, 25% sandstone amphorae, and 25% old barrels. Very pale colour, dynamic mouthfeel, low alcohol (11.5%), perfect for summer thirst. White flowers, lavender, mint, key lime, lemon, and salt. The wine that evolves beautifully over 24 hours — a testament to patience.
"Armenaz": Named after the mountain where Nicolas's grandparents climbed their Tarentaise cattle during the summer. 0.5 hectares of stunning 30-year-old Jacquère vines at 580 metres altitude — one of the highest and coolest parcels in the cru. Harvested three weeks later than "La Pente" for optimal ripening. Denser and richer due to the rich ferrous clay, with complex flavours of Sicilian lemon, saline limestone, golden apples, almonds, and flinty smoke.
"Ensemble" (Together): A tribute to all those who lent Nicolas and Marielle a hand with their first wines — a celebration of collective energy. 100% Altesse, planted on the limestone hillsides of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte. Vines range from young to 30 years old. Raised in different wooden vessels and sandstone amphorae, which bring tension and a welcome reduction. More weight and spice than Jacquère, but lifted and fresh.
"Les Montagnes Rousses" (The Red Mountains): Named after the red clay typical of the famous Mondeuse cru of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte. 20-year-old vines, 100% whole bunches, very gentle extraction. Aged in terracotta and demi-muids. Black cherries, violets, and spices. Low alcohol (11%), enticing rusticity, and a saline finish. 10mg/l total SO₂.
"Coteau de la Mort" (The Slope of Death): The most serious Mondeuse — from the impossibly steep, 40% gradient slope first planted by Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Red clay on limestone base, firmly structured wines built for ageing. 14-day cuvaison with no pigeage or remontage. Aged in demi-muids for ten months. Minty, peppery, with a beautiful Chartreuse-like herbal quality. Reminiscent of fine northern Rhône Syrah. Drink now to 2028.
"Armenaz" — "Jacquère from 580 Metres — One of the Highest Parcels in the Cru"
The "Armenaz" is Domaine des Côtes Rousses' most profound white cuvée — a pure Jacquère from 30-year-old vines at 580 metres altitude, named after the mountain where Nicolas's grandparents herded their Tarentaise cattle during the summer months. It demonstrates what happens when high-altitude Alpine terroir, biodynamic farming, extended élevage in foudre, and zero-additive philosophy converge in a single bottle.
The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's highest parcel in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, where rich ferrous clay soils on limestone bedrock force the vines to struggle, creating extraordinary concentration and complexity. The altitude — 580 metres, one of the highest in the cru — means the grapes ripen three weeks later than those for "La Pente," developing deeper flavours while retaining the piercing acidity that defines Alpine whites. The bunches are vinified with indigenous yeasts and without added sulfur, then aged 6–8 months in foudre on total lees, allowing the wine to develop texture and depth naturally.
Bottled with 0–1mg of SO₂ and without fining or filtration, "Armenaz" is a wine of radical purity. In the glass, it is pale gold with a luminous green rim. The nose is rich and evolving — golden apples, almonds, swaths of green grass, and flinty smoke. The palate is dense and structured, with flavours of apricot, lemon, pear, and bitter mountain herbs. Light tannin down the line on the tongue, strong acidity placed under the tongue and along the cheeks. Structurally fascinating, this is a wine that demands patience — it performs best 24 hours after opening, when the full complexity of honeydew melon, tarragon, and clementine peel emerges. This is not a wine for casual drinking; it is a wine for contemplation, for the Alpine table, for the moment when you need something that tastes like the mountains at their most profound. Serve at 10–12°C. Cellar 3–8 years. ~$28–$40 / ~€25–€36.
The Domaine des Côtes Rousses Range
Nicolas and Marielle Ferrand produce a focused, Alpine portfolio from their 5.5 hectares of certified biodynamic vineyards on the steep slopes of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, Savoie, French Alps. All wines are hand-harvested, spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in a combination of Alsatian foudres, sandstone amphorae, terracotta, demi-muids, and old barrels. No fining, no filtration since 2020. Some wines bottled without sulfur, others with 0–18mg/l total SO₂ added only at bottling. The portfolio spans ethereal Jacquère, weighty Altesse, and rustic Mondeuse — each expressing the mineral purity, saline tension, and Alpine character that define the estate. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.