Dark Side 2023 – Natural Mondeuse Noire from Savoie

The deep and mysterious side of Mondeuse

Dark Side 2023 reveals the powerful expression of Mondeuse Noire, Savoie’s historic grape. A natural red wine that combines Alpine freshness with depth and authenticity.

Old vines and Alpine terroir

The grapes come from 80-year-old vines rooted in 2.5 hectares of grey limestone and degraded schist. This terroir provides minerality, structure, and a unique sense of place, shaping the character of Dark Side.

Natural vinification

Whole clusters undergo inertization and 15 days of maceration, followed by pressing and transfer into barrels and amphorae for fermentation. No fining, no filtration, and no added sulfites – just a pure varietal expression.

Amphora aging for finesse

Aging in amphorae enhances elegance and balance, smoothing tannins while preserving the grape’s spicy and vibrant nature. Dark Side offers finesse, persistence, and aging potential.

Limited artisanal production

With just 2,000 bottles produced, Dark Side 2023 is a rare wine, crafted for collectors and wine lovers who appreciate natural, terroir-driven reds.

Technical Sheet – Dark Side 2023

• Region: Savoie

• Variety: 100% Mondeuse

• Appellation: IGP Vin Des Allobroges Mondeuse Noire

• Vineyard size: 2.5 ha

• Soil: grey limestone and degraded schist

• Average vine age: 80 years

• Farming: organic, biodynamic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: cluster inertization, 15-day maceration, pressing, barrel & amphora fermentation, racking before aging

• Aging: in amphora

• Fining: –

• Filtration: no

• SO₂ added: none

• Production: 2,000 bottles

L’Aitonnement: heroic viticulture in Savoie

Aiton is a small village in Savoie that once counted over 250 hectares of vineyards. Starting from the 1950s, however, these lands were progressively abandoned: the steep slopes made it impossible to use tractors, and working them was too complex and demanding. Of this ancient viticultural heritage, only a handful of hectares survived, including the 2.5 cultivated since 2016 by winemaker Maxime Dancoine, who founded his estate L’Aitonnement.

The legacy of a demanding yet precious terroir

Maxime took over the domaine of Bernard and Marido Bachellier, the last vignerons of Aiton. The vineyards lie on very steep slopes, with inclinations of up to 70%. Despite the challenges, the vines benefit from optimal southern exposure and a constant wind that keeps the microclimate dry and healthy. The soil is shallow, composed of grey limestone and degraded schist stones, under which numerous natural springs flow, bringing freshness and vitality to the vines.

Indigenous grape varieties and biodiversity

The ampelographic heritage of L’Aitonnement is extraordinary, partly unique. The main varieties are Mondeuse Noire, Jacquère Blanche, and Altesse, typical of Savoie. These are complemented by rare and ancient varieties such as Douce Noire, Persan, Joubertin Noir, Blanc de Maurienne, Mondeuse Grise and Blanche, Verdesse, and many others. This mosaic of grapes allows Maxime to craft wines that are complex, profound, and deeply connected to their terroir.

Winemaking philosophy and natural approach

At L’Aitonnement, winemaking is guided by respect for the environment and the natural expression of the fruit. Maxime uses sulfites in a moderate and reasoned way, based on direct observations about wine quality and longevity. The goal is to produce wines that are long-lived, fine, sincere, and full of personality, designed to shine in convivial moments.

Organic farming and extreme viticulture

Maxime works as a true heroic winemaker. The vineyards are farmed according to organic practices, with some principles of biodynamics. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, despite the extremely high planting density that exceeds 10,000 vines per hectare. A demanding choice that requires dedication and passion, but ensures authenticity, quality, and total respect for the unique terroir of Aiton.