The Domaines - Lavaux and Vouvry
Lavaux
From the shores of Lake Léman (at 380 metres) the Lavaux vineyards rise up to an altitude of 600 metres and are constructed entirely in terraces. The steep slope facilitates the running down of the surface waters and the drainage of the soil. The terraces are held by wall and due to this manner of construction no mechanised means can be used in the vineyard.
The soil generally is composed of clay and limestone. Due to the macro porosity of the soil and the type of base-rock, the roots may at times reach down to a depth of 3 to 5 metres.
As it is very sensitive to the specificity of the soil, the Chasselas vine develops its typical character well on the slopes of the Lavaux. Some portions are also favourable for the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir.
The vineyard benefits from "three suns": the reflection from the lake, the thermic effect of the walls and the local air currents. The latter protect the harvest against the humidity in autumn in a natural way. Protected by this specific microclimate, the grapes achieve a superior maturity.
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The Gathering in the Grapes
Generally the harvest takes place between end of September and end of October. Various parameters come into play, i.e. the annual climate, the factors influencing the yield, the sought-after maturity index (the relation between sugars and acids), but above all the physiological maturity that may be determined by tasting the grapes, and the maturity of the grape-stones
The Dubois family domains stretch along the Lavaux coastline from Epesses to St-Saphorin. The wine is pressed, fermented and bottled at the Vieux Pressoir in Epesses.
St-Saphorin
La Tour Marsens
Cully
Epesses
Vevey
