DOMAINE JEAN-YVES MILLAIRE, Fronsac/Canon-Fronsac
The history for the domain is a relatively short one given the regions historic significance. Jean-Yves’ grandfather purchased 6 acres of vines in 1950 in the communes of St. Michel de Fronsac and Fronsac. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that Jean-Yves took over the estate. In 2005 his wife, Christine, joined him and in 2006 they started the conversion to organic viticulture. Jean-Yves and Christine have the ultimate respect for the land so the decision to convert the vineyards to biodynamics in 2009 was a natural one.
Today, the couple farms twenty different plots spread over 47 HA in Canon-Fronsac (11.5HA), Fronsac (5.7HA) and the larger Bordeaux AOP region. The vineyards have a variety of soil types; at Château Cavale, paleotherium silty clays exist; at Château Lamarche Canon, clay and limestone soils are prevalent; in the Loupiot vineyards, limestone soils. The average age of the vines ranges as well from 20 – 50 years old depending on the vineyard sites. Additionally, vine density varies too with a range of 5,500 – 8,000 vines per hectare. The wines are naturally produced offering a true expression of the terroir. No herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or any other synthetic pesticides are used. Each plot is monitored very carefully. Vinification is allowed to take place naturally using indigenous yeasts and a variety of vessels from concrete tanks to amphorae, to French oak barrels and foudres prior to bottling. The resulting wines have finesse, delicacy with great balance and intense dark fruit aromas.
Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac are twinned appellations. Located on the right bank of the Dordogne, to the west of Libourne in the heart of the plateaus and clay-limestone hills. Fronsac surrounds Canon-Fronsac. These appellations are at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers and have a certain resistance to hotter weather.
The principles of Biodynamics were laid down in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner. It is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming.
The enhancement of the soil and plant in its natural environment thanks to preparations made from plant, animal, and mineral materials
The application of these preparations at specific times of the year recognizing the cycles of the earth, sun, moon, stars, and planets.
Seeking to understand the subtle ways that the environment and wider cosmos influences the growth and development of plants and animals.
