Loï

Wines of Domaine Saladin

Elisabeth and Marie-Laurence create a range of ‘terroir’ wines, reflecting the diversity of the soils in Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche, the 13 Mediterranean varietals of the Domain and their own inspiration

“Loï,” the red Côtes du Rhône, brings its creator, Louis Saladin, to the fore. “Loï” is the Provençal nickname for Louis. It also pays tribute to Saint Louis, “Looïs,” an adversary of Sultan Saladin during the 13th century crusades.

VARIETALS : Predominantly Grenache (red and white) rounded off by some Syrah and Carignan.

TERROIR : With Southern exposure, from a plot with argillaceous limestone soil, bordered by pine trees and brooms. The 40 year old vines yield 35 hectolitres per hectare. Winemakers, Elisabeth and Marie-Laurence Saladin, are the family’s 21st generation to tend the land and vines.

HARVEST : Grapes are hand-picked and the Grenache and Carignan are blended in small vats.

VINIFICATION : A short semi–carbonic maceration takes place with no chemical additives except for a very limited amount of sulphite.

AGING : Wine is aged for nine months in concrete tanks.

CULTURE : As for all our other cuvées: no pesticide, no herbicide, no insecticide – our estate has always been chemical free. Vinified using only indigenous yeasts, as has always been the case at the domain. “Agriculture Biologique” (organic) certified by “Ecocert.”