Clément Lavallée

He started locally at first with Domaine Verret before heading south to Domaine des Terres de Velle in Auxey-Duresses and Armand Heitz in Chassagne Montrachet.

Here Clément developed the skills and the knowledge needed to make great wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as learning about biodynamic viticulture.

Time was then spent working with other grape varieties in other regions of France, Château Margaux was followed by Domaine Chapoutier. He learnt the art of managing both small and large production volumes at the same time as ensuring that only the finest grapes and must were selected.

The final chapter of the educational journey ended in the New World in Northeastern Victoria, Australia.

It was then back to France in 2018 to work alongside his Father Erick. Clément quickly realised that he had different views and ideas and wanted to put what he had learnt into practice.

Clément decided to go it alone in 2019 and managed to secure 1.6ha of Chablis vines as well as some grape purchases from the appellations of Côtes d’Auxerre and Saint-Bris from his father. The vineyards were worked very naturally with no insecticides and very little intervention. An investment was made in old tractors that are lighter than the modern machinery. They consume less fuel and do not compact the soil as much.

In 2020 Erick decided to hand over 3.7ha of vines to his son so that production could be increased but not at the expense of quality. Perhaps he could see straight away that the Family estate would be in great hands.