With its colorful retro packaging, Les Dauphins captures the “joie de vivre” mood of Paris in the roaring 1920s, a time when the wines of the Dauphiné region of France became very popular due to their fruit-forward, palate-pleasing style. But “Joie de vivre” also comes with winegrowing as Les Dauphins is now fully High Environmental Value certified thanks to the commitment of growers who have converted almost 3,000 hectares over the last years. HVE certifies that the farm: promotes biodiversity (habitat and food for wildlife), reduces the quantity and frequency of treatment uses, maintains plant cover on uncultivated areas and preserves water resources.
The generation of young Côtes du Rhône winegrowers is shaping Les Dauphins spirit: young, vibrant, committed, and positive. Let’s go off tracks to meet some of them and learn more about their vision.
Jeremy studied environmental geography and came back to his hometown Tulette in 2015 to take over the family farm with his brother. “Preserving nature is in my genes, it’s where I live and raise my children. It’s my passion to find the best way to preserve our vines up to 60-70 or even 80 years old.” His example for Biodiversity: “Every year after the harvest we sow vegetal cover in the vines’ row. This brings organic matter to the soil and food for pollinating insects which promotes biodiversity.”’
Cindy was working in a hardware store before she decided to go back to school at the age of 31, learn viticulture and take over her grandparents’ and parents’ farm. She loves that her job connects her with nature. Her example for Biodiversity: “I have my own beehives in my vineyard, it’s a pleasure to see them fly around. I protect them as I protect my vines, the best way I can.”
Jean is 32 and arrived two years ago with his wife to take over the family organic farm. “We’re the sixth generation on this farm. Being a vine grower is all about the open air, the landscapes and anticipating the unexpected. His example for Biodiversity: “We’ve had nest boxes in our vineyard for three years. Birds and bats help us control the amount of insects and their damage on the vine. We saw lots of bird species coming back to the vineyard.”
More about Les Dauphins
Les Dauphins wines is a true expression of the Southern Rhône wine styles and available in “Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône red” (A Grenache-Syrah blend harvested at full ripeness, showcasing a spicy, concentrated and fresh fruit forward wine style), “Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône rosé” (Grenache-Syrah blend harvested at night to provide a refreshing style with crisp red berries notes), and then “Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône white” (A precise blend of Grenache White and Viognier delivering a round and refreshing style with white peach notes).
Les Dauphins packaging comes with a lighter eco-designed bottle and labels featuring a QR code to engage with consumers and illustrate Les Dauphins winegrower’s commitment to biodiversity.
Last Updated: May 9, 2023
