Château de Mérande, biodynamic wines from Savoie

Château de Mérande stands in Arbin, in the heart of the Combe de Savoie. More specifically, it is situated on the slopes of the Savoyarde, at the foot of the Bauges massif. André and Daniel Genoux, representing the sixth generation, manage twelve hectares of biodynamic vineyards with dedication and conviction. Pierre, Daniel’s son, joined the estate in 2019. Château de Mérande is a true flagship for the wines of Savoie.

The vineyards of Château de Mérande

The Château de Mérande vineyard covers 12 hectares of vineyards, situated on steep, difficult-to-work slopes.

• The Mondeuse covers 7 hectares. Some of the old vines, which are over half a century old, produce a wine in limited quantities that fully expresses the richness and character of the Arbin Cru.
• The Roussanne vines cover two hectares planted at the foot of the ‘Grand Blanc’ rock, Bergeron’s other great terroir.
• L’Altesse, situated on the glacial moraines of Mérande, produces Roussette de Savoie across 1.5 hectares.
• Gamay, Jacquère and Persan share the remaining few dozen ares.

Since 2000, the vineyard has expanded with the replanting of some of the most prestigious historic vineyards, such as ‘Le Paradis’ and ‘Les Terrasses de Lourdens’.

Wines certified as organic and biodynamic

Château de Mérande has been certified organic since 2009 (Ecocert). The Genoux family also manages the entire estate according to biodynamic principles (Biodyvin). All vineyard work is carried out with the aim of preserving the surrounding natural environment: terraces, hedgerows and copses. Château de Mérande is committed to preserving biodiversity at the heart of its Savoie vineyards.

To ensure that the terroir expresses itself in its purest form, André and Daniel Genoux do not use any weedkillers or other pesticides. They apply biodynamic preparations of plant, mineral or animal origin to the soil and vines. This is done at specific times based on the vine’s growth cycle and in accordance with the lunar and planetary calendar. The soil is tilled using a crawler tractor, a winch or animal traction.

All this work seems truly colossal when one considers the steep slopes on which the vines have taken root. But all these efforts are not in vain, as the wines powerfully express the identity of these great terroirs.

Sulphur-free winemaking

Sorting the harvest ensures that only perfectly ripe grapes reach the winery. Vinification is then carried out using traditional, low-intervention methods, with indigenous yeasts and no additives. This allows André and Daniel Genoux to preserve the distinctive character of each terroir at Château de Mérande. Vinification takes place at low temperatures, without SO2, and involves skin contact. Malolactic fermentation is encouraged wherever possible.

The wines are aged mainly in barrels for the reds and in large casks for some of the whites. The reds are not filtered, whilst the whites undergo light fining and filtration.

A few photos of Mérande Castle

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