Domaine Loublachon

Overview

Domaine Loublachon is a young and energetic wine estate located in Valvignères, in the Ardèche region of southern France. It is run by Dorothée Reynaud and Lilian Reynaud, who have built the domaine around natural-wine principles, deep respect for the environment, and minimal-intervention winemaking.

Founders & Background

Dorothée Reynaud brings solid oenological training and around a decade of experience in winemaking. Lilian Reynaud is a viticulturist dedicated to sustainable and ecological vineyard management. Together, they decided to create Domaine Loublachon in 2020, formalizing their organic farming approach at the same time. Their first wines under the Loublachon label appeared in 2021.

The project emerged from a shared belief that authentic, vibrant wines can only come from healthy vineyards and gentle cellar work. Rather than inheriting land, the Reynauds built their domaine from the ground up, representing a new generation of independent Ardèche vignerons.

Terroir, Vineyards & Viticulture

The vineyards lie in Valvignères, a village in the heart of the Ardèche, surrounded by rolling limestone hills. The estate covers about eight hectares planted with Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Merlot and Grenache Noir.

The soils are mainly clay-limestone with areas of gravel (“gravettes”), and the vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate with cool nights that help preserve freshness. Farming is entirely organic, with no synthetic inputs, and all grapes are harvested by hand.

In the cellar, Dorothée and Lilian practice low-intervention winemaking. They use indigenous yeasts, avoid filtration and fining, and add little to no sulphur — only a touch if needed for stability. The only real “technical” intervention is temperature control during fermentation to preserve balance and fruit purity.

Style & Wines

Loublachon’s wines sit firmly within the natural-wine movement: expressive, lively and transparent. Each cuvée is crafted to show the grape and the soil without artifice.

Some representative wines include:

  • Zazou – 100 % Sauvignon Blanc from gravel soils; direct press and aged on fine lees in tank; bright, aromatic and refreshing.

  • La Kouate – 100 % Chardonnay from clay-limestone on a hillside among oak trees; fuller and textural, showing the mineral core of the terroir.

  • Pinte Fouillette – 100 % Merlot; short maceration of around ten days, aged in tank; juicy, supple and easy-drinking.

Across the range, total sulphur levels are often below 10 mg/L, reflecting their commitment to natural purity. The wines are described as franc, simple et gourmand — open, straightforward, and full of pleasure.

Philosophy & Identity

Domaine Loublachon embodies a clear vision: wines should be the product of healthy vines, natural balance, and honesty in craftsmanship. The Reynauds’ focus is on ecological responsibility and sensory integrity — letting nature lead rather than forcing style.

Their choice to settle in the Ardèche, a region outside the most famous appellations, allows creative freedom and experimentation. It also reflects a movement toward rediscovering lesser-known terroirs through sustainable, small-scale production.

Practical Information

  • Location: Valvignères, Ardèche, southern France

  • Vineyard size: About 8 hectares

  • Farming: Organic, in conversion to biodynamics; manual harvest

  • Winemaking: Indigenous yeasts, no filtration or fining, little or no sulphur

  • Grapes: Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Merlot, Grenache Noir

  • Founded: 2020 (first vintage 2021)

Summary Bio

Domaine Loublachon, founded by Dorothée and Lilian Reynaud in 2020, is an emerging Ardèche estate dedicated to crafting natural wines of purity and pleasure. Their eight hectares of clay-limestone and gravel soils in Valvignères are farmed organically, with all fruit hand-harvested and fermented naturally.

In the cellar, intervention is minimal — no additives, no filtration, and almost no sulphur — allowing each wine to express its origin with sincerity. The result is a collection of vibrant, approachable wines such as Zazou, La Kouate and Pinte Fouillette, which capture both the sun and freshness of southern France. Domaine Loublachon represents the spirit of a new generation of independent winemakers: environmentally conscious, free-thinking, and joyfully authentic.