REMY ET LUC BAYON DE NOYER

Remy and Luc Bayon de Noyer incarnate the new generation of vintners, driven by ethics, eco-pragmatism, and acting while keeping in mind their work’s impact in the long term. The Domaine des Gravennes family history runs deep in time. The estate has been in the family since 1880, and farming in polyculture: grapes, lavender, truffle, cows, sheep. “You don’t put all your eggs in the same basket” as they still say nowadays. 

Three generations ago, Luc and Remy’s grandfather redirected the estate to solely grow vines and forsake the other agricultural activities. He was used to selling his harvest to the local cooperative, farming only red varietals. Later, the next generation, Remy and Luc’s parents, decided to make their own wines and extended their offer. They diversified by planting whites Rhone varietals (Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier) along with building up a wine cellar and investing in all the required equipment. They released their first bottled vintage in 1996. 

Remy, the eldest of the two brothers, took a different path early on to become an infrastructural engineer, and worked in Paris in a major corporation. On the other hand, Luc, the youngest, followed in his family’s footsteps by studying agricultural and winemaking techniques. He built up his experience through his curriculum in other estates until it was time to take over from his parents. At this time, feeling overwhelmed, Luc required his brother to join the venture so they could both operate their family heirloom. Without much persuasion, Remy gladly left his Parisian life to embrace the appealing rural one in the South. They officially started operating the vineyard together in 2014.

Their philosophy redirected the estate to its origin: polyculture. To achieve a healthy vineyard, biodiversity is of the essence. They replanted olive trees, lavender, pomegranate trees, and truffle oaks. They also implemented bee hives to reinforce the natural pollination of their Domaine and attract more micro and wildlife. They firmly believe in Viti forestry and planted old varietal of apple trees, bushes, and other fruit trees among the vines to bring natural shade and protection. This results in an active microbiologic life that boosts the immunization of the estate. While they apply some of the biodynamic techniques, like working at the pace of the lunar cycle and utilizing silica and organic certified product, they may not register for the actual certification: it should be undertaken by any farmer as simple “bon sens” for them.

Now rebuilding a bioclimatic underground wine cellar, fully self-sufficient, Remy’s engineering know-how and Luc’s ideas work wonders. It illustrates their future: advancing with each step thought through and developing the balance of the estate as part of a wider ecosystem. The next project relates to improving the Massale selection of the vines: each grape as multiple sub-varieties. Every time vines need to be replanted, they carefully selected multiple ones of the same overall varietal to optimize the immunization of the estate and its resilience. Another significant positive effect, this diversity will bring more finesse, aromas, and nuances to the wines.

We firmly believe in the long-term vision and ideals of Domaine des Gravennes, and can’t wait to share with you Remy and Luc Bayon de Noyer special selection!