Founded in 1976 by Philippe Laurent and Michèle Aubéry-Laurent, Domaine Gramenon lies in the heart of the Drôme Provençale in Montbrison-sur-Lez, surrounded by 25 hectares of vines and olive groves. The vineyards are planted on a limestone plateau, 300m above sea level, which brings a purity and freshness to the wines. Unfortunately, Philippe passed away from an accident in 1999, so Michèle was joined by her son Maxime-François. Together they aim to keep the identity of each plot of land, which gives birth to their ‘cuvées’. Since the start, the vines have been cultivated with a natural, organic approach. The soil is worked mechanically in both Spring and Summer, with an additional manual hoeing on some plots. Only copper and sulphur are used against oidium and mildew.

All vines are sustained with traditional bioorganic preparations. The domaine is certified biodynamic. The fermentation is conducted without SO2 and only with natural yeasts. Depending on the vintage, the ageing is either carried out in vats to keep the freshness of the fruit and most expressive aromatics or in used oak barrels to refine the tannins. No new oak barrels are used. No fining or filtration prior to bottling. The aim is to produce wines that truly reflect their terroirs with purity and authenticity.

Maxime-François has also created a small wine merchant business in partnership with a neighbouring vigneron, whose vineyards are certified organic. The clay-limestone subsoils, combined with the location of the vines, tend to produce staunchly fruit-forward wines. Crafted in the most natural way possible, Maxime releases his particular cuvées under his own name.