The Rise of Stéphane Cyran: A Pioneer in Lorraine Winemaking

Nestled in the northern French region of Lorraine, Stéphane Cyran is emerging as a trailblazer in a winemaking area long overshadowed by its neighbors, Alsace and Champagne. Since beginning his winemaking journey in 2016 after completing his BTS in Viticulture and Oenology in Rouffach, Stéphane has quietly but confidently established himself as a producer to watch.

A Reviving Tradition

The Côtes de Toul AOC, established in 1998, comprises just 110 hectares and reflects a winemaking heritage that had nearly disappeared. For decades, commercial viticulture in Lorraine primarily catered to Champagne négociants, with little attention paid to the region's potential for unique, expressive wines. However, this is changing due to climate shifts and a new wave of vignerons who view Lorraine as a fertile ground for innovation.

Since the 1980s, the replanting of vines has brought new life to this once-overlooked region. Today, Stéphane manages three hectares of Pinot Noir and Gamay in Mont-le-Vignoble, close to his family home and cellar. His approach is rooted in respect for the land, working his clay-rich soils gently by hand or with a horse, depending on the steepness of the slopes.

Low-Intervention Winemaking

In the cellar, Stéphane adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention. Whether working with white or red varieties, he often employs whole-bunch maceration to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Additions during vinification or bottling are strictly avoided, ensuring that his wines remain as natural as possible. His portfolio includes vibrant reds crafted from Pinot Noir and Gamay, as well as a direct-press pétillant naturel that exemplifies his creative flair.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond his estate vines, Stéphane has launched a négociant project, Le Deuxième Soufflé, sourcing fruit from neighboring growers in Lorraine and Alsace. This initiative allows him to experiment with different grape varieties and methods, pushing the boundaries of what the region can offer. Each vintage reflects his growing expertise and ambition, further solidifying his reputation as a regional innovator.

A Bright Future for Lorraine

Stéphane Cyran represents a new wave of winemakers reshaping the narrative of Lorraine. As climate change enhances the viability of the region for viticulture, his dedication to sustainable practices and natural winemaking serves as a model for others to follow. Whether through his estate wines or his négociant ventures, Stéphane is proving that Lorraine’s clay-rich soils and cool climate can produce wines of remarkable depth and character.

As the vineyards of Lorraine come back into focus, Stéphane Cyran stands at the forefront of its revival—an avant-garde winemaker carving out a future for this historic yet underappreciated region.