Location: Avize, France

The legendary domaine located in Avize, situated in the Côte de Blancs. Family-run property which encompasses close to 8 hectares of vines in the crus of Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Ay, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Ambonnay.

Anselme’s parents carried out their first vinification in 1964. Ten years later Anselme was given the keys to the domain. He thus began his professional career with what would become a lifelong process of observation, trial and error and contemplation in regards to his viticultural methods and practices. This empirical approach to viticulture and vinification is perhaps his most remarkable trait as a winegrower.

From 1990 to 1996 the principles of agro-biology were applied in the vineyards, from 1996 his focus turned to bio-dynamics. In 2002 Anselme distanced himself from the bio-dynamic doctrine, defying the usual codes and processes as he did not wish to have any hand in influencing nature. The thoughts and reflections of Masanobu Fukuoa and permaculture had begun to inspire him and subsequently the attention he pays to the vines and the wine.

For the last twenty years, the Selosse family has developed its own system of viticulture which is an approach that follows no set method, but rather permanently adapts itself to the circumstances confronted throughout the growing season in the various vineyard plots. In order to explain their philosophy pertaining to the vines, Anselme and Guillaume often make references to “gatherers”, those who venture out into nature to reap the harvest and collect the fruit found there:

« “Primum non nocere”. First, do no harm…The Hippocratic Oath…“It is man who perturbs nature the most thus one must refrain from intervening as often as possible ».

(Text taken from: www.selosse-lesavises.com/en/le-domaine-jacques-selosse/)