Florian and Marie spent years under the apprenticeship of Jacques Maillet and Gilles Berlioz, respectively, before taking over Maillet’s estate on the Upper Rhone River near Switzerland in the Savoie to establish Domaine Curtet. Their domaine has two distinct vineyards located close to the Lac du Bourget on steep slopes near the river with a climate that produces high winds. The unique Chautagne soil, rich in molasses and limestone, gives the wines an increased potential for aging. Of five hectares, three are dedicated to growing Mondeuse, Gamay and Pinot Noir and two Altesse and Jacquére. They also have a massale selection of Gringet, Savagnin, Molette and Mondeuse Blanche.

Their creative and non-interventionist approach has produced wines that wholly express the best of what this region has to offer. One such wine is the Maillet-inspired Autrement Rouge 2018. Meaning “in another way” (a nod to how it is produced) this is a red blend of mostly Gamay with some Pinot Noir and Mondeuse. The wine is aged on lees for over 9 months highlighting aromas of red fruits and a floral bouquet with earthy Alpine notes. The Mondeuse 2018 is a lighter bodied wine of its namesake variety with fruity notes of strawberries and peppers pairing well with regional cheeses. Both wines are bottled under AOP Savoie.

Autrement Rouge, 2018
80% Gamay, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mondeuse

Mondeuse, 2018
Mondeuse