After studying politics in Lyon, Nicolas Ferrand worked as a land manager for Savoie’s chamber of agriculture but soon found out that office work wasn’t for him. He created Domaine des Cotes Rousses in 2013 when his friend and fellow vigneron Mathieu Goury alerted him that 1.5ha had become available in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, an area he holds dear because this is where his grandfather used to herd cows - it also happens to be one of Savoie’s finest terroirs!
The name of the domaine is a reference to Champ Roux, the lieu-dit where most of the vines are located, and its russet-coloured clay soils (roux/rousses means russet).The first few years were hectic for Nicolas, as he worked for Pascal Quenard, looked after his own vines and studied in Beaune. He has added progressively to his holdings to reach 5.5ha of mostly old vines (many are 60yo) planted at a density of 10,000 plants/ha. Except for a 0.15ha plot of Bergeron in Montmelian and a parcel of Altesse in Monthoux, all his vineyards overlook the Combe de Savoie on the steep slopes of the Massif des Bauges.
Interestingly the southern exposition and lower altitude of this particular part of Savoie offer growing conditions similar to a meridional climate, as exemplified by the presence of truffles, cicadas, almond trees and a multitude of wild herbs such as thyme, marjoram and oregano.
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