The journey from Atlantic fisherman to deeply respected Sauternes producer is not a common one, however for one half of Domaine de l’Alliance, it was one fueled by love (we know, so French). Nestled in the prestigious Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, Domaine de l’Alliance is the passion project of Valérie and Daniel Alibrand. Their journey into winemaking began long before they established the estate, first meeting while studying at Château La Tour Blanche, a Premier Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes 1855 and renowned School of Viticulture and Oenology. Unlike the grand châteaux that dominate the Sauternes region, the Alibrands have charted their own path, crafting extraordinary wines with precision, dedication, and a deep respect for nature. The pair took over vineyards from Valerie’s family in their hometown in 2005, bringing their shared expertise and passion to every bottle.

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From the outset, Domaine de l’Alliance has been committed to organic farming, solidifying this with organic certification in 2015. Their holistic approach extends beyond the vineyard, with minimal intervention in the cellar and a deep respect for the land they cultivate. To promote biodiversity and soil health, the Alibrands employ Solognot sheep, which naturally graze between the vines, managing cover crops without the need for machinery or herbicides. Their seven-hectare vineyard, situated in Fargues between the esteemed Château Rieussec and Château de Fargues, benefits from Fargues’s unique and cooler microclimate. The confluence of the Garonne river and Ruisseau de Fragues stream creates the perfect conditions for noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for producing the region’s world-renowned sweet wines. With old vines of 80% Sémillon, 18% Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, and 2% Muscadelle, planted on gravels, sand, clay and limestone, their low yields (10-13 hl/ha, comparable to Yquem) result in wines of remarkable intensity and complexity.

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Domaine de l’Alliance is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Harvesting is done entirely by hand in up to seven vineyard passes to select only the finest botrytised grapes. In the winery, they prefer to be as hands off as possible, letting the grapes and the terroir reveal themselves in the final wine. Grapes undergo rigorous sorting and slow pneumatic pressing (4-5 hours), followed by fermentation with natural yeasts in carefully chosen barrels. The cooler terroir of Barsac ensures a freshness and energy that set these wines apart, making them a favorite among France’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including Anne-Sophie Pic, Troisgros, Gagnaire, and Bras.

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La Revue des Vins de France hails Daniel as “a rising figure in the Sauternes vineyards,” praising his wines for their “balance, energy, and quality on par with many classified growth Châteaux.” The wines have also captured the attention of Decanter and Vinous along the way. This recognition underscores the Alibrands’ ability to push beyond tradition, crafting exceptional wines that capture the essence of Sauternes’s terroir. While best known for their beautifully balanced Sauternes, the Alibrands have also garnered acclaim for their Bordeaux Blanc (Which may become Sauternes Sec?), showcasing the untapped potential of the region. 

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At Mosaique Wines, we believe in championing vignerons who create wines with soul, and from our very first conversation with Daniel, we knew Domaine de l’Alliance belonged in our portfolio. We invite you to discover these exceptional wines and experience the magic of Barsac in every sip.

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