Domaine Lelièvre

Country: France Region: Lorraine Appellation: Cotes de Toul Producer: Domaine Leliévre Founded: 1971 Annual Production: 1,166 cases Gris de Toul Farming: Farming Website: www.vins-lelievre.com/fr/

Since the days of The Bishops of Toul, the Lelièvre Family has lived in Lucey. The Romans planted vines in the Moselle region of Gaul, and by 1860 there were over 50,000 hectares of vines in the region. The vines are planted on the hillsides of the Moselle in clay-limestone alluvial soils with some flint. The varietals are Auxerrois, and . But in 1870, phyloxera arrived in the region followed by the French-German wars of 1870, 1914 and 1939. After the wars and with the development of mines in the region, little manpower was left for the vineyards. In 1951, there were only 30 ha of vineyards left & most of the was bottled by negotiants. But when Cordier left to buy Château Talbot in Bordeaux, a handful of vignerons fought to protect the remaining vines & succeeded in gaining AOC status in 1998.

Generations of Lelièvre winemakers remained in the village of Lucey, but it was not until the famous 1971 vintage that Jean Lelievre decided not to sell their grape production to neighboring traders but to perform the vinification and bottling himself. This founding decision was rewarded with a first gold medal at the Concours General Agricole.

After studying in and Burgundy, the three brothers Lelièvre, André, Jean-Marie and Roland stepped up to the re-development of vineyard land left fallow by the former owners. Gradually, working by hand with family & friends plus entrepreneurs equipped with machines, they are have rebuilt the vineyard and developed the family business, which will have up to 19 hectares of vines in production.

Vincent & David (sons of Roland) made an extensive trip around the world (Argentina, Australia, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Chile, Spain, United States, Languedoc & Uruguay) getting experience in the world of wine. After 10 years away from Lorraine, they have returned to settle in Lucey. Now with Jean-Marie in Burgundy and Andre retired, it's a new generation of winemakers at the estate. Each doing his part: Vincent handling the business side, while David manages operations.

PO BOX 1438 TOPANGA CA | 310.455.1287 | www.garberandcompany.com | [email protected]

Domaine Lelièvre (continued)

David and Vincent Lelievre live and breathe Domaine Lelièvre and Côtes de Toul . Their dynamism and professionalism, inherited from their father Roland, drive their desire to produce increasingly captivating and exquisite .

Over 3 communes (Lucey, Bruley and Blénod les Toul), Domaine Lelièvre operates 16 hectares of vines of which three quarters are for the production of AOC Côtes de Toul (the other quarter is dedicated to the production of Leucquois, home Traditional Method). Also, he developed about 5 hectares for producing & distilling Mirabelle de Lorraine primarily.

Each year, approximately 100,000 bottles are produced from their cellar. They are marketed primarily to individuals (40%), wine merchants and distributors specializing in beverages (25%) and restaurants (15%).

Wine Blend Vine Age Soil Type Vineyard Area Gris de Toul 90% Gamay 40 – 60 year Clay, limestone 3.5 ha 10% Pinot vines Noir

VITICULTURE / VINIFICATION

Gris de Toul Vin Gris – gray wine- is an integral part of Lorrain’s regional identity. The wine is direct pressed Gamay, Pinot Noir and Auxerrois Blanc. Fresh, floral and fruity on the nose. They make a wonderful Vin Gris (90% Gamay/10% Pinot Noir vinified as a white) The Vin Gris (90% Gamay/10% Pinot Noir) is planted on clay/limestone soils with a southern exposition. The grapes are harvested by hand, sorted, de-stemmed, pressed and then fermented in tank, followed by 6 months ageing, of which 4 months on fine lees. They produce about 1,000cs.

ADDITIONAL INFO

They also make two Methode Traditionnels from Gamay.

PO BOX 1438 TOPANGA CA | 310.455.1287 | www.garberandcompany.com | [email protected]