Dominique Lucas hails from a family of Burgundian winemakers – he is the 5th generation – who own a small estate outside of Pommard. After completing oenology school, he opted out of returning to the family estate simply because he did not want to work within the strict oversight of the AOC, choosing instead to settle in the Haut Savoie (in and around the AOC Crépy to be exact) in 2008. 

Dominique farms vines planted in rich yellow marl and granite soils with a limestone base, and some silex stones on the surface. His vines are separated into 27 parcels of different soil composition, each of which is harvested by hand (he says it takes 2.5 months to harvest here as Chasselas takes so long to ripen), and vinified separately. He is deeply committed to Chasselas, and has also added tiny parcels of Savagnin, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc 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.

This Chasselas was a revelation. Beautiful spiced pear, red apple and honeydew melon greet from the glass. The palate is mineral-driven, rich, yet soft thanks to the pulsating acidity that pushes it along. The savory finish is crisp, dry with ending notes of white flowers, almonds and baking spices that seem to last forever.