Domaine de l’A is the family home vineyard of husband and wife Stephane and Christine Derenoncourt. Stephane started is work-life very young in the industrial north of France working in a factory. Then for love and for the weather he decided to move to Bordeaux and work as a simple vineyard worker. His precision, farming skills, dedication and quick learning took him to manage some of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux. They bought their home Domaine de L’A in 1999 in Castillon. First they only purchased the house and 2.5 hectares of vines as they couldn’t afford more at that time. Stephane Derenoncourt was not yet the iconic wine consultant he is now. To raise capitals, they ask friends for help funding the project and manage to get 200 friends that each invested 1,000 euro. In return, each of them will get 7 cases of wine and Domaine de l’A was born! Along the years, two additional purchases helped them to bring the domaine to its current 10 hectares size with 12 plots each having its personality. The domaine is located in Sainte- Colombe in the Cotes de Castillon appellation, bordering on the East the prestigious St. Emilion.

Terroir wise, Domaine de l’A is on deep fine clay, friable limestone and the “molasse” (sandstone) of the Fronsadais. Stephane Derenoncourt is fascinated by limestone and knowing the right bank like he does he knew this was the right spot to drop their suitcases! For them, everything is happening at the vineyard, planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. In the last years, they took off the Cabernet Sauvignon that was not ripening this well. From now on they want to increase their planting of Cabernet Franc. Low yields are common at Domaine de l’A, if they think its right to get the best possible final wine they won’t be afraid to harvest 15 hectoliters per hectare.

Domaine de l’A is using biodynamic and organic farming, Stephane and his wife are convinced since the early days that it is the best was to reveal the terroir and let the place express in the glass.