Les Vignes de Paradis
Dominique Lucas is the 5th generation of a family of Burgundy winemakers, his family own a small estate outside of Pommard. After completing oenology school, he opted not to work on the family estate because he didn't want to work within the strict oversight of the AOC, choosing instead to settle in the Haut Savoie. He farms 10 hectares here, plus 2.5 hectares in the Haute Côte de Beaune and Pommard, of certified organic (practicing biodynamic) vines.
He is deeply committed to Chasselas, and has also added tiny parcels of Savagnin, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. These are not old vines, but in the hands of this careful winemaker they are capable of producing wines of depth and complexity. Though his family’s history is steeped in Burgundian ways he works in his own way in his cellar. Dominique vinifies his grapes in an array of different amphorae, barrels, and concrete eggs. Fermentations occur naturally and the only addition to the wines is a bit of sulphur at bottling.
The wines show a sublime balance of fruit and minerals, they're clean, textured, and compelling. Dominique continues to experiment and his vineyards continue to mature and thrive, there is no doubt that these wines will only continue to get better.