Les Accoles

A Passionate Couple and a Return to Their Roots

Olivier and Florence Leriche built their winemaking journey with dedication and expertise. After studying viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux and Dijon for Olivier, and plant protection for Florence, they fell in love with Burgundy’s terroirs in 1998. For thirteen years, they honed their craft at Domaine de l’Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges, developing their approach around whole-cluster fermentation and biodynamics.

In 2005, they decided to leave Burgundy and return to their roots in the southern Rhône Valley. Settling near Privas in an old house in need of renovation, they began exploring the terroirs of the Ardèche region. A few years later, in 2010, they seized an opportunity: a set of old vineyards in Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche came up for sale. With this, Les Accoles was born, founded on a commitment to organic and biodynamic farming.

Where to Find Domaine des Accoles Wines

**Updated Information as of July 14, 2025:** Domaine des Accoles (Florence and Olivier Leriche) produces highly respected organic and biodynamic wines. Their wines are sought after by natural wine enthusiasts globally. Availability can be limited due to artisanal production.

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Domaine des Accoles" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices.
Domaine des Accoles Official Website (France) The official website for the winery. They have a contact form and details about their philosophy. Direct purchase or visit information may be available (often for French customers).
La Cabote (Online, France & EU) A French natural wine shop that frequently stocks a good selection of Domaine des Accoles wines, including "Le Rendez Vous des Acolytes," "Le Carafon des Acolytes," and "Miocène."
Cave Pur Jus (Online, France & EU) Specializes in organic and natural wines and regularly lists various cuvées from Domaine des Accoles, such as "Les 4 Faïsses."
Des Racines Au Verre (Online, France & EU) Another excellent French natural wine retailer with a strong selection of Domaine des Accoles wines, including "Chapelle des Accoles," "Gryphe," and "Polysève."
Natural-Wines.com (Online, Europe) A comprehensive directory and retailer that lists Domaine des Accoles and often shows stock from various European shops.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)

  • **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
    • **La Tablée NYC:** This importer directly represents Domaine des Accoles in the US. Their website (latableenyc.com) provides details about the winery and their wines, and they distribute to various states. Your best bet is to inquire with shops that work with them.
    • **CoolVines (US Retailer):** Has listed Domaine des Accoles "Le Rendez-vous des Acolytes" Rouge, indicating direct retail availability in some US markets.
    • **Duke's Liquor Box (Brooklyn, NY):** Has listed "Domaine Des Accoles Le Carafon Des Acolytes," suggesting retail presence in specific locations.
    • **Yiannis Wine Shop (Online, US):** Has listed "Domaine des Accoles - Le Rendez-vous des Acolytes."
    • *Contact top-tier independent wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago) that specialize in natural wines or Rhône Valley producers. They are the most likely to carry or be able to source these wines via importers like La Tablée NYC.*
  • **France (Direct & Retailers):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Domaine des Accoles welcomes visitors for guided tours and tastings by request. Contact them directly via their website or phone (+33 6 89 93 77 83) to arrange a visit to their location in Alissas, Ardèche.
    • **Specialized Cavistes & Wine Bars:** Look for "cavistes" (wine shops) in major French cities (e.g., Paris, Lyon, Marseille) and throughout the Rhône Valley that focus on organic, biodynamic, and artisanal wines. Many restaurants also feature their wines.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Forest Wines (UK Online Retailer):** A natural wine specialist that often stocks exciting French natural producers.
    • **Buon Vino (UK Online Retailer):** A well-regarded UK merchant for natural and organic wines.
    • *Contact independent wine merchants in London and other major cities who emphasize natural and biodynamic wines from the Southern Rhône/Ardèche.*
  • **Asia:**
  • **General Tips:**
    • **Limited Production:** As an artisanal producer, production volumes can be limited, leading to wines selling out quickly upon release.
    • **Join Mailing Lists:** Sign up for newsletters from specialized natural wine retailers and importers to be notified of new arrivals.
    • **Biodynamic Certification:** Domaine des Accoles is Demeter certified (biodynamic), which can help identify retailers specializing in this niche.

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemakers:** Florence and Olivier Leriche.
**Location:** Alissas, Ardèche, France (Southern Rhône Valley).
**Philosophy: Certified Organic (AB) & Biodynamic (Demeter):** Established in 2010. Practices rigorous organic viticulture since 2011 (certified AB 2014) and biodynamic farming since 2012 (certified Demeter 2015). Focuses on old vines on clay-limestone terraces. In the cellar: Hand-harvested, gravity-fed, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Whole cluster fermentation often used. No fining, no filtration, minimal or no added sulfur. Wines are aged until deemed ready to drink.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre (for reds/rosés); Clairette, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier (for whites).