Promess - Gamay
Promess from Domaine Sauveterre ,
Jérome Guichard
Gamay from a forty year old vineyard planted over pure limestone in Uchizy. Grapes were fermented as whole bunches for a month, before being pressed off to old barrels for nine months of élevage
No sulphates added.
Biodynamic
Jérôme Guichard has devoted much of his life to the vineyards. After years of apprenticeship, he made a significant acquisition in 2011—a weathered farmhouse and nearly three hectares of mature Chardonnay vineyards in Montbellet, a commune nestled in the Mâconnais region. The transaction was facilitated by the esteemed figure of natural wine, Guy Blanchard, who shared Jérôme's principles.
With roots tracing back through Monsieur Blanchard's family for generations, both the farmhouse and vineyard carried profound historical significance. Since 1917, the vines had been tended using the family's organic approach, steeped in traditional wisdom. Montbellet, located in the less renowned part of Burgundy, practices mixed agriculture, nurturing remarkable biodiversity. Despite his already established reputation for crafting exceptional wines in the region, Guy's primary focus until 1998 was tending to a herd of goats.
The vineyards, nestled in serene seclusion and embraced by surrounding forests, thrive in the classic Burgundian blend of clay and limestone, though the proportions may vary among the crus. Jérôme faithfully continues the work of his mentor, prioritizing the natural health of the vines through the application of herbal plants and organic infusions. Similarly, in the cellar, the wines rest gracefully on the lees until deemed ready, without any additional additives at any stage. The result is a Chardonnay that defies expectations, exhibiting a vivacity and a captivating spectrum of aromatics rarely associated with the grape.
In a recent development, Jérôme expanded his domain by acquiring just over a hectare of Gamay vineyards at the intersection of Mâconnais and Beaujolais in Leynes. Planted back in 1946, these vines flourish amidst the wooded expanse at the base of a volcanic mountain, emitting an unmistakable vibrancy from the rich black volcanic soils they inhabit.