2021 Quenard Claude et Fils 1 er Recoltant

The 2021 Quenard Claude et Fils 1er Récoltant embodies the rugged alpine terroir of Savoie and the dedication of the Quenard family. Domaine de la Gerbelle, originally a Carthusian farm, transformed under Claude Quenard’s leadership in the 1960s to focus on viticulture. In the early 2000s, the next generation transitioned to organic and biodynamic practices, earning certification by 2016. Now, Vincent Quenard leads the domaine, blending tradition with fresh ideas while maintaining their commitment to low-intervention winemaking.

Crafted from Jacquère grown on 30-year-old vines, this wine benefits from Savoie’s unique climate—an alpine setting with Mediterranean influences, ideal for vibrant, complex wines. The grapes undergo a 20-day maceration before fermentation and are aged on fine lees for 12 months to develop depth and texture. The result is a wine that bursts with alpine herbs, citrus, and orchard fruit aromas, offering refreshing clarity with layers of texture from its lees ageing.

Vincent’s approach focuses on purity, with minimal intervention to let the terroir shine. The 2021 1er Récoltant captures the character of Savoie’s high-altitude vineyards while showcasing the forward-thinking spirit of this family-run domaine.

95 points
"This is very well resolved, skin fermented jaquere. All the bits fit in well, it is very complex, tannins are seamlessly woven through. It is a delight, and in that vein of ‘digestible wines’ that I tend to enjoy... everything just so and so well formed. It sits under medium weight so there’s high refreshment factor too. Really good here."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)