One might say that 'Quartz' is why Domaine des Ardoisières even exists. Michel Grisard, the domaine's original founder, sparked an initiative to revive the vineyards of the Côteau de Cevins to their original greatness, and Quartz is the final product of his decades of effort.  

The vines for Coteau de Cevins are planted on south-facing slopes with up to a 60% grade, with the vines trained sur échalas, with almost no top-soil, so the roots get straight into the slate, leading yields as low as 20 hl/ha. The wine is vinified whole cluster in barriques (25% new, 75% two to three years old) and aged for 18 months and bottled after light filtration with only one gram of sulfur used.

Quartz is a unique and remarkable wine. In its youth it offers a linear and smokey element, but as it ages it becomes richly textured and savory. A robust yet restrained bottle of wine that requires patience. 

Pairing: Gratin dishes, Raclette

Grapes: Altesse

Soil: Poor and shallow mica schist

Farming Practices: Biodynamic