DOMAINE DES TROUILLÈRES

Les Martres-de-Veyre, Auvergne

Camille and Mikael Hyvert arrived in the dramatic, volcano-laden region of Auvergne in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the land. They were fortunate enough to meet a retiring vigneron just as they arrived and acquired a beautiful 6-hectare property in 2017, which became Domaine des Trouillères. The domaine, situated on the undulating volcanic hills of the department of Puy-de-Dôme – a subregion widely considered to be the Auvergne’s best, despite lacking AOC status - captures the geologic and climatic extremes of the area. Slopes are unforgivingly steep, and the weather is highly unpredictable.

The property traveses several valleys and plateaus, with the soils ranging from pure volcanic (colluvium and basalt) to calcareous (clay-limestone enriched by debris from ancient volcanic activity in the area). Their vines are planted between 380-500m, with a total surface area of 5.8ha.

The Hyverts of course focus on Gamay d’Auvernge - the local derivative of the more well-known grape best known in Beaujolais, but also have a good amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at their disposal. The vines range in age from 35-80 years, depending on the parcel.

From the start, the couple have farmed using biodynamic principles, and the property is now certified. In the cellar, Mikael has adopted an approach that can best be described as detailed but non-interventionist: the wines are clean and pure, while being coaxed along with little to no sulphur added. Most apparent is the volcanic terroir of the region, with varying degrees of structure depending on the length of time spent aging, as well as other factors such as vine age and individual terroir.

Domaine Overview

Winemaker: Camille & Mikael Hyvert

First year at Domaine: 2015

Winemaking Style: Natural

Year Founded: 2015

Location: Les Martres-de-Veyre, Auvergne

Total HA: 5.8 ha in the Puy-de-Dome subregion.

Number of Workers: 2

Grapes: Gamay d’Auvergne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Farming: Biodynamic

Bottles produced/year: 25,000