Meet Domaine de l'Astré
Whilst travelling through France in 2020, Aude and Sylvain’s wines seemed to be following us around where ever we went, constantly popping up in all of the places that we like to frequent and drink good wines in. And so it made sense to track them down, and we’re thrilled to now have them as partners and in the portfolio.
Sylvain Ohayon is originally from Bordeaux, and has always shown a natural affinity for the region and varieties. Sylvain completed his oenology studies in 2006, and has since worked with Domaine Jean Bousquet in Argentina, and as head winemaker at Château Vieux Landat in the Médoc. It was whilst travelling and working in Argentina, that he met Aude Duval, an equally passionate oenophile.
It was only in 2017 that they finally came across the perfect plot of land to pursue their solo project: an 8ha single block that had been farmed organically for the last 5 years prior to the purchase. And so, Domaine de l’Astré was born.
The vineyard is located approximately 30km west of Bergerac, in the Dordogne Valley. The land is planted primarily with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small section dedicated to Sémillon. The two wines with quantities available from the 2019 vintage are the Flamenc, a bright white wine with immense drinkability made from Sémillon and lightly pressed Cabernet Franc, and the Pèlroge, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, macerated for a short time before being aged in stainless steel to retain its freshness.
Sylvain and Aude are a young, dynamic couple, challenging the status quo and ideas surrounding Bordeaux varieties. They are extremely passionate about their farming and winemaking, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these wines. Quantities at this point are limited, but we are excited to begin sharing their story and growing their presence here in the U.K.
