Aléofane
Domaine Aléofane is a boutique winery in the northern Rhône Valley, founded and led by the talented winemaker Natacha Chave. With deep familial ties to the Rhône region, Natacha has established herself as one of its rising stars, crafting wines that celebrate purity, finesse, and a profound sense of place. Named after a mystical gemstone symbolizing harmony, Aléofane embodies Natacha’s philosophy of creating wines that balance authenticity and elegance while expressing the unique character of the terroir.
Domaine Aléofane produces wines from two prestigious appellations: Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, with a focus on organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking.
Domaine Aléofane is a boutique winery in the northern Rhône Valley, founded and led by the talented winemaker Natacha Chave. With deep familial ties to the Rhône region, Natacha has established herself as one of its rising stars, crafting wines that celebrate purity, finesse, and a profound sense of place. Named after a mystical gemstone symbolizing harmony, Aléofane embodies Natacha’s philosophy of creating wines that balance authenticity and elegance while expressing the unique character of the terroir.
Domaine Aléofane produces wines from two prestigious appellations: Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, with a focus on organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking.
Domaine Aléofane is a boutique winery in the northern Rhône Valley, founded and led by the talented winemaker Natacha Chave. With deep familial ties to the Rhône region, Natacha has established herself as one of its rising stars, crafting wines that celebrate purity, finesse, and a profound sense of place. Named after a mystical gemstone symbolizing harmony, Aléofane embodies Natacha’s philosophy of creating wines that balance authenticity and elegance while expressing the unique character of the terroir.
Domaine Aléofane produces wines from two prestigious appellations: Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, with a focus on organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking.
Biodyna
Organic
Biodynamic
Socials
The Winemaker: Natacha Chave
Natacha Chave hails from a family deeply rooted in Rhône Valley winemaking. Her brother, Yann Chave, manages an acclaimed domaine in the region, but Natacha chose to forge her own path. After completing her studies in philosophy and oenology, she founded Domaine Aléofane in2004, driven by a desire to create wines that express the essence of their terroir with precision and sensitivity.
Natacha is known for her meticulous approach to vineyard management and her commitment to sustainable practices, which form the foundation of her winemaking.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine Aléofane farms6 hectaresof vineyards acrossCrozes-HermitageandSaint-Joseph, two of the Rhône’s most revered appellations. The vines are cultivated organically, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and soil health.
Crozes-Hermitage: Located on gravelly alluvial soils, the vineyards here produce Syrah with vibrant fruit character and elegant structure.
Saint-Joseph: The steep granite slopes of this appellation yield Syrah with minerality, freshness, and finesse.
Natacha’s hands-on approach ensures the health of the vines and the integrity of the grapes, with harvests conducted entirely by hand.
Grape Varieties
Domaine Aléofane specializes in the iconic grape of the northern Rhône:
Red: Syrah
White: Marsanne and Roussanne (in small quantities for experimental cuvées or blends)
Winemaking Philosophy
Natacha Chave employs alow-intervention winemakingapproach, aiming to preserve the integrity and character of the fruit. Fermentations are carried out using indigenous yeasts, and extraction is gentle to avoid over-manipulation. Aging takes place in neutral oak barrels and concrete vats to enhance texture and complexity while maintaining the wine’s freshness and aromatic precision.
The result is wines that are expressive, balanced, and elegant, offering a modern interpretation of Rhône Valley classics while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Wines of Domaine Aléofane
Crozes-Hermitage
Aléofane’s Crozes-Hermitage is a benchmark for the appellation, showcasing Syrah’s vibrant fruit and floral qualities.
Characteristics: Aromas of blackberries, violets, and cracked pepper, with a supple texture, lively acidity, and silky tannins. The wine is both approachable in its youth and capable of aging gracefully.
Saint-Joseph
The Saint-Joseph wines are known for their depth and refinement, reflecting the granite-rich terroir of the appellation.
Characteristics: Notes of dark cherry, plum, and graphite, with herbal undertones and a long, mineral-driven finish. The tannins are polished, and the wine is marked by its balance and elegance.
Commitment to Sustainability
Domaine Aléofane is committed to organic farming, avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting ecological balance within the vineyards. Natacha’s holistic approach ensures that each wine reflects its natural environment, contributing to the preservation of the region’s biodiversity.
Reputation and Legacy
Domaine Aléofane has garnered critical acclaim for its fresh, modern approach to Rhône Valley winemaking. Natacha Chave’s work is celebrated for its authenticity and artistry, capturing the spirit of the northern Rhône in wines that resonate with purity and sophistication.
Through her dedication to organic viticulture, respect for tradition, and innovative mindset, Natacha Chave and Domaine Aléofane continue to inspire a new generation of Rhône Valley winemakers while producing some of the most exciting wines in the region.
