Domaine Miolanne Cotes d'Auvergne “Volcane” Rouge 2022
We have 19 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Rising from the volcanic heart of France, Domaine Miolanne’s vineyards stretch across a windswept plateau at 450 meters above sea level—an ancient shelf formed by the eruption of the Massif du Sancy, the highest peak in the Central Massif. This is the Côtes d’Auvergne, a little-known appellation nestled in the southern reaches of the Loire Valley, where vine cultivation dates back over 1,500 years. The soils here are a rare geological mosaic of volcanic basalt, clay, and limestone—soils more often associated with Italian hillsides than the French interior. These lava-charged layers translate into a wine of unmistakable mineral tension. The vines, now over 20 years old, cling to this rugged terrain, thriving in a cool mountain climate where sunlit days are followed by brisk nights, amplifying aromatic complexity while preserving freshness.
The Wine
Volcane Rouge 2022 is a precise, mineral-driven blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Gamay—two expressive grapes that find new voice in volcanic earth. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and bottled just a few months after harvest, the wine captures a raw, unadorned energy. Light-bodied yet layered, it opens with spicy red fruit—think peppered wild raspberry, red currant, and cherry pit—followed by a flinty backbone and a whisper of smoke. Silky tannins lend a softness that carries through to a saline, stony finish. With its restrained alcohol and vibrant acidity, this is mountain wine—honest, agile, and full of life.
The People
Domaine Miolanne began in 1994 when Odette and Gilles Miolanne planted their first Pinot Noir and Gamay vines on 17 hectares of mixed farmland in the southern edge of the appellation. From the outset, their work eschewed chemical inputs in favor of organic farming and respect for the land. In recent years, the estate passed into the hands of Laure and Jean-Baptiste—a couple rooted in organic viticulture and driven by a passion for elevating the singular terroir of the Auvergne. Their minimalist approach in the cellar and deep respect for the volcanic soils have brought new energy to the domaine. Today, their wines are a quiet revolution in a region still largely under the radar. The story of Volcane is as much about place as it is about people—about a forgotten corner of France where volcanoes sleep, vines persist, and two winemakers are helping the land speak again.
Food Pairings:
1. Grilled Trout with Herbes de Provence
A delicate, herb-laced preparation that mirrors the wine’s lift and clarity. The gentle smokiness of grilled fish pairs effortlessly with Volcane’s subtle volcanic edge, while its bright acidity complements the dish’s freshness without overpowering it. Yes, red wine can pair beautifully with fish!
2. Lentil and Mushroom Cassoulet
This earthy, slow-cooked dish—rooted in the region’s own traditions—resonates with the wine’s savory, mineral backbone. The umami depth of mushrooms and the texture of lentils reflect the subtle power and structure of Gamay and Pinot Noir grown on volcanic soil.
3. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Tart
Sweet, earthy beets and tangy chèvre bring out the red fruit and spice in the wine, while the flaky pastry offers a buttery counterpoint to its brisk acidity. A vibrant, textured pairing that highlights both elegance and terroir.
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The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a revered wine region that stretches along the Loire River, producing an array of distinct wines, including the crisp, sea-breeze influenced Muscadet near the Atlantic coast, the versatile and expressive Chenin Blanc in regions like Vouvray and Anjou, the elegantly fragrant Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil, and the minerally complex Sauvignon Blanc-based Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from its eastern vineyards. This is a reflection of the valley's varied terroir and climate, which together foster the creation of wines that are celebrated for their finesse, diversity, and food-friendliness.
Loire Valley
A red wine grape most associated with Beaujolais, Gamay makes fresh, fruity red wines with berry and violet aromas. It is grown around the world outside of France where it is often a darker and less tannic cousin to Pinot Noir in cool climate regions such as Oregon and Victoria.
