Originally from Burgundy, Dominique Lucas is a fifth-generation winemaker who chose to uproot his life and career, moving to the nearby region of Savoie in 2008. Seeking a new environment that aligned with his innovative approach, Dominique settled in Ballaison, within the Crépy Appellation, where most of his vineyards are situated on the picturesque slopes surrounding Lake Geneva.
Dominique’s estate, Les Vignes de Paradis, spans 7.5 hectares of organically certified vineyards. In addition, he manages a small négoce, Les Vins du Léman, which encompasses 4 hectares currently undergoing conversion to organic viticulture. His commitment to organic and biodynamic practices is evident in his vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Beyond biodynamics, Dominique embraces the use of medicinal plants for the health of his vines. Reflecting an alignment with the philosophy of Lalou Bize-Leroy, Dominique allows his vines to grow wild and free, avoiding hedging, and using traditional methods such as horse plowing and integrating grazing sheep into the vineyards.
The diversity of soils in Dominique’s vineyards is remarkable, including yellow marl, granite, and silex. This variety allows him to cultivate a wide array of grape varieties and harvest from 27 different parcels, each vinified separately. While Savoie is traditionally known for white grape varieties like Jacquère, Altesse (Roussette), and Roussanne, Dominique has chosen to focus on Chasselas. His vineyards also include Chardonnay, Savagnin, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and other varieties.
In the cellar, Dominique favors the use of amphorae, concrete eggs, and neutral demi-muids for aging his wines. After harvest, the fruit is direct-pressed at low pressure for about 3.5 hours. Fermentations are carried out with native yeasts, and only a minimal amount of sulfur, never exceeding 30mg/L, is added at bottling.
