La Cuvée des Gueux 2025 Domaine Adrien Berlioz

La Cuvée des Gueux 2025 from Domaine Adrien Berlioz is the most direct, approachable and joyful expression from the domaine, and the perfect entry point into the world of this exceptional Savoyard grower. The name is an affectionate and mischievous homage to the local labourers, courageous and stubborn workers who tend each day the steep vineyards of Cellier des Cray, often on slopes exceeding 30 per cent, under conditions that lowland vineyards cannot imagine. A Jacquère of crystalline clarity, mineral and floral with citrus notes, offering immediate pleasure, speaking without pretension of what it is: the wine of the vine and the people who cultivate it.

Grape variety and terroir

La Cuvée des Gueux is a fine Jacquère, the most widely planted white variety in Savoie and one of the region's oldest, mentioned in chronicles as far back as 1248 following the collapse of Mont Granier. It is the quintessentially Savoyard variety, expressing itself with an incomparable natural directness and vivacity on the argilo-calcareous soils of the Chignin hillsides. The vines, around forty years old, are planted on the lieu-dit Les Châteaux in Chignin, on silty limestone and marl soils, with south-west exposure and a slope of 30 per cent. This significant gradient demands exclusively manual work, with grapes transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. Eight thousand vines per hectare and yields strictly limited to 30 hectolitres per hectare ensure remarkable aromatic concentration and precision for this regional appellation variety. Winemaking follows the domaine's biodynamic Demeter philosophy: direct pneumatic pressing away from air, gravity run to tank, static settling, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, natural malolactic fermentation. Ageing in stainless steel with bâtonnage for six to eight months. Alcohol content: 10.5 per cent vol. only.

Tasting profile

The colour is pale gold, clear and luminous. The nose is fresh and aromatic, like a spring breeze across meadows: notes of white flowers, delicate citrus, green lemon and fresh pear open with immediate spontaneity and lightness. Notes of narcissus, lemon balm and flint enrich this bouquet with surprising natural complexity and precision for a Jacquère. On the palate, the texture is intense and crisp, driven by fine vivacity and a slight natural prickle that brings immediate and precious freshness and drinkability. The palate is sapid, digestible and silky, enveloping with delicate touch. The finish is iodine-tinged, mineral and persistent, with that return of flint and citrus which is the absolute signature of great Savoie Jacquères. A wine of pure and sincere pleasure, to drink from now through 2031.

The domaine

Adrien Berlioz, young cousin and neighbour of Gilles Berlioz, established himself in 2006 in Chignin, Savoie. This true Savoyard is built on talent and drive. Stubborn, meticulous and attentive, this self-taught grower has forged a human-scaled domaine of 5.5 hectares spread across 13 parcels, all located in Chignin. Certified organic since 2009 and biodynamic Demeter since 2020.

Food pairings

This cuvée will be delightful on its own or alongside eel, seafood choucroute, vegetable broth, sushi or shellfish. It pairs beautifully too with Savoyard fondue, quality raclette, lake perch fillets with beurre blanc, smoked trout with herbs or fine mountain charcuterie. Served between 10 and 12 °C, slightly cool, this wine reveals all the mineral directness, natural vivacity and alpine generosity of a Jacquère from Savoie crafted by one of the region's most engaging and precise growers.