Accoles :
"Terrasses"
en Occitan
Domaine des AccolesBurgundian Soul, Ardèche Terroir
Florence & Olivier Leriche bring 13 years of biodynamic expertise from Domaine de l'Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges to the Miocene terraces of the Ardèche gorges.
From Arlot to Ardèche — a biodynamic journey
Olivier Leriche
Oenologist & ViticulturistStudied agricultural engineering, viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux and Dijon. In 1998, he arrived at Domaine de l'Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges "almost by chance" for an internship. Thirteen years later, he had converted the estate to biodynamics and become its manager—mastering whole-cluster vinification and precise terroir expression [^142^][^152^].
Florence Leriche
Agricultural EngineerStudied plant protection alongside Olivier in Bordeaux and Dijon. Her expertise in biodiversity and organic agriculture complements Olivier's cellar mastery. Together they form a formidable team—Florence managing the vine health and ecosystem balance that allows Olivier's low-intervention winemaking to shine [^158^][^161^].
The vines, half of which are fifty years old or more, are planted on clay-limestone terraces dating from the Miocene, bordered by woods. We work them in organic agriculture and biodynamics.
— Florence & Olivier Leriche
In 2005, they purchased an old house near Privas, beginning their love affair with Ardèche terroirs. When vines came for sale in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche in 2010—old vines, grouped parcels, ideal for biodynamics—they seized the opportunity. Domaine des Accoles was born in 2011 [^142^][^158^].
Miocene terraces, clay-limestone, forest borders
The name "Accoles" comes from the Occitan word for terraces—reflecting the vineyard's topography. Located near the Gorges de l'Ardèche and the Rhône, the domaine spans 21 hectares of Miocene-era clay-limestone terraces, half planted with vines over 50 years old [^151^][^154^][^181^].
Les Terrasses
Clay-limestone soils dating from the Miocene epoch, arranged in terraces (accoles) bordered by forest. These soils provide both drainage and mineral complexity, with the forest acting as natural biodiversity reservoir.
21 hectares | Clay-limestone | Miocene eraOld Vines
Half the vineyard is planted with vines exceeding 50 years of age, including 60-year-old Carignan and 50+ year old Grenache. These deep-rooted plants extract the full mineral expression of the terraces.
50-60+ years | Deep roots | Low yieldsSaint-Marcel-d'Ardèche
A few kilometers from the Rhône and the spectacular Ardèche gorges. The cellar is located in a former mill (moulinage) at Alissas, near Privas—combining historical architecture with modern biodynamic precision.
Southern Ardèche | Former mill cellarBiodiversity
Vine rows are grassed over to encourage biodiversity. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Certified organic since 2014 and biodynamic (Demeter) since 2015—though biodynamic practices began in 2012 [^142^][^158^].
AB 2014 | Demeter 2015 | Grassed rowsBurgundian precision meets Southern Rhône generosity
The Leriches bring their Burgundian training—13 years at biodynamic Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges—to the entirely different context of Southern Rhône varieties. The result: wines with the freshness, elegance and precision of Burgundy, but the generosity and fruit of the South [^152^][^158^].
Olivier is convinced that whole-bunch fermentation gives wines "allonge"—length and tension. Most cuvées see significant whole-cluster inclusion (50-75%), gentle infusion-style extraction, and indigenous yeast fermentation [^154^].
They classify all wines as Vin de France rather than IGP Ardèche, preferring the freedom to vinify terroir-driven cuvées using long maturation periods and minimal sulfur. This allows them to release wines only when "ready"—even if economically challenging [^152^].
Whole Bunch
50-100% whole cluster depending on cuvée, for tension and length.
Native Yeast
Spontaneous fermentation only, no added enzymes.
Gentle Extraction
Infusion-style maceration, minimal punching down.
Minimal Sulfur
Low doses only when necessary, mostly at bottling.
Vin de France
By declassifying to Vin de France, the Leriches gain freedom to:
• Blend across "appellation" boundaries
• Use long maturation periods
• Keep sulfur minimal
• Release when wines are "ready"
• Focus on terroir, not bureaucracy
"Their will is to obtain straight and precise wines, while preserving the freshness of the fruit."
From Miocene to Acolytes
Nine cuvées, all characterized by freshness, elegance and lovely fruit. From the flagship Miocene (old vine Grenache-Carignan) to the friendly Rendez-vous des Acolytes, each wine reflects a specific terroir or philosophical approach [^154^].
Miocène
Grenache & CarignanFrom vines over 50 years old on Miocene terraces. 75% whole bunch vinification. Crushed strawberry aromas, fine spice, elegant tannins and beautiful length. Both powerful and vibrant—"delightfully floral" with a silky touch [^154^][^170^][^173^].
75% whole bunch
Miocene terraces
Age-worthy elegance
Chapelle des Accoles
Multi-varietal blendAn assemblage of old vines: Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet, Syrah, Couston, Auben, Cinsault & Aramon. 70% whole bunch. Notes of black fruit, faded roses, violets and spices with supple, gourmand tannins that "caress the palate" [^142^][^166^].
70% whole bunch
12 cépages total
Complex & rounded
Gryphe / Grypsse
100% CarignanUsually an assemblage, Carignan here plays solo to show its character on Accoles terroir. From 60+ year old vines, 75% whole bunch. Powerful and elegant with a crunchy, tense quality that pairs beautifully with red meat [^154^][^177^].
75% whole bunch
Clay-limestone
Tense & powerful
Le Rendez-vous des Acolytes
Grenache-based"The gathering of the acolytes"—the perfect wine for friends. From 20-year-old Grenache vines. Pronounced fruity character, beautiful lightness, inviting conviviality. Described as having "more in common with Red Burgundy for its elegance and gorgeous floral notes than powerful Southern Grenache" [^150^][^155^].
Fresh & floral
Approachable
"Vin de copain"
Le Cab' des Acolytes
Cabernet SauvignonProof that Cabernet can be a "vin de copain" (friendship wine). From young vines, 50% whole bunch, lightly extracted to preserve fruit freshness and limit tannins. Fruity, digestible, ideal with grillades [^154^].
50% whole bunch
Low extraction
Fresh & fruity
Les 4 Faïsses / Recto Verso
Grenache Blanc & othersWhites of "tropical and balanced" character. The Recto Verso cuvée offers beautiful richness and volume—tropical notes with balanced acidity. Fermented and aged with care to preserve freshness [^141^][^182^][^191^].
Old barrels
Volume & freshness
Southern sun elegance
Le Rosé des Acolytes
Grenache, Cabernet, CarignanPale rose-golden hue. Blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cabernet, 20% Carignan. Fresh mineral character, raspberry, cherry, rose and pepper. Nice freshness with rich fruit notes and good length [^163^].
Pale salmon color
Mineral & floral
Fresh finish
Inattendu / Clair Obscur
Variable"Unexpected"—experimental cuvées that showcase the Leriches' willingness to explore. Often raised in used barrels from Domaine de l'Arlot (their Burgundy connection), with very long rest periods before release [^190^].
Arlot barrels
Long élevage
Terroir experiments