Domaine des Fables
François Gilles
Serrières-en-Chautagne

François is a young, brilliant winemaker who gave us a masterclass on innovations in vineyard managment during our walk around his beautifull hillside vineyards. We talked about nursery pruning, grafting, varieties, co-plantation, soil health. The walk was nearly as impressive as the tasting. At the moment, he's sort of split in two. Domaine des Fables is all fruit from his own vineyards vinified in his cellar. He's also buying grapes for a project, Maudit Flacon, which is a sort of temporary addendum to Domaine des Fables. In other words, all the wines made from purchased grapes he plans to make with his own fruit. He's buying vineyards, leasing, taking over leases... slowly, slowly filling out what was a very high concept winery. He knows exactly the kinds of cuvees he wants to make, and with each and every one has executed something remarkable. So very happy to be bringing you these amazing wines. 

The Domaine des Fables, created in 2019, is located on the slopes of Chautagne (Savoie), near the Rhone and the Lac du Bourget. The soils are composed of sandstone and limestone scree, the vineyard benefits from a south-western exposure and a climate tempered by the Lake of Bourget and the Rhone. In this setting, the vineyard plots are surrounded by woods, streams and meadows. The estate has been converted to organic farming and biodynamic practices. The search for balance and richness in biodiversity guides François Gilles’ work which extends to the cellar. All the fermentations are spontaneous and the maturation guided by the stars.