The Domaine des Ardoisières was created ex nihilo in 1998 on land that had been planted with vines in Roman times, but which had not produced wine for centuries. Michel Grisard, one of the leading Savoyard producers, was the driving force behind the project for a long time, before handing it over to the current manager, Brice Omont. The vineyard is cultivated according to biodynamic principles and vinification is extremely natural with as little intervention as possible. The property produces three white wines and two reds. The "Schiste" cuvée (7,000 bottles) is produced from four traditional Savoyard varieties: Jacquère, Malvoisie, Roussanne and Mondeuse Blanche. The vines are grown on spectacular south-facing terraces, with small yields of 25 hl/ha. Vinification, with indigenous yeasts is carried out in barrels which have already been used for three to five wines.

Made using 100% Altesse and matured for 12 months in barrels (25% of which are new barrels), Quartz is this domaine’s Cuvée Prestige. On the nose it’s open and seductive, with aromas of white fruits, quince, mirabelle plum and walnut, and floral notes (honeysuckle, wisteria). In the mouth, the wine is well-structured and sophisticated, intense and perfectly balanced, and above all, extremely refined and pure. It is, moreover, a wine of remarkable persistence and a certain salinity. This cuvée is unique, and probably one of the best expressions of Altesse around. Any lover of fine white wines simply must taste this at least once in their lifetime! Drink with shellfish or chicken in a cream sauce.