winery

Domaine du Gros 'Noré

Provence, France

Philosophy

Natural fermentation with native yeasts, no added sulfites at fermentation. Aged eighteen months in large oak foudres (60 hectolitre capacity), never in new barriques. Bottled without fining or filtration, preserving the mineral structure and terroir expression of clay and limestone soils.

Reputation

Named in tribute to Alain Pascal's father Honoré, a Cadière-d'Azur villager known affectionately as 'Gros Noré' for his substantial frame, the domaine was founded in 1997 when Alain ceased selling his family's grapes and began bottling his own wine. The 17 hectares rest on the clay and limestone slopes of Bandol, among the highest and coolest parcels in the appellation.

AllocationHectare count: sources vary between 15-17 ha (using 17 from official domaine website and multiple retailers). Founding year confirmed as 1997 via multiple sources; father Honoré's death noted as catalyst. Ecocert certification listed as 2020 in one source; described elsewhere as 'organic practicing' (no herbicides/pesticides, manual tillage, limited copper/sulfur only). Kermit Lynch relationship documented as 25-year relationship (from 2020 vintage notes). UK distribution confirmed via Lay & Wheeler and Berry Bros. & Rudd. Canadian distribution via Oenopole Inc. (SAQ). Production volume not published. Farm constructed by Alain in 1995 alongside 1789 bergerie. No biodynamic certification found. Organic label awarded noted in relation to 2021 vintage but full Ecocert status claimed for 2020. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Oenopole Inc. (Canada)'

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