Idylle

France
Savoy
idylle.fr

I am an independent winemaker in Savoie, and SAQ has been the domain’s largest client for 20 years. When I took over the domain from my uncle, our sales at SAQ were declining. So, I demanded answers from my agent at the time and quickly realized that he wasn’t doing his job anymore, and my wine was almost being removed from SAQ. I then reached out to BMT, and Manfred advised me and introduced me to the workings of his agency, based on trust and transparency with the winemaker. Today, my sales have seen a significant increase, and I am setting up a new trading structure to meet the demand.

Sylvain Tiollier - Owner and winemaker at Domaine de l'Idylle (France, Savoy)

The Domaine de l’Idylle is a family vineyard of 22 hectares created in 1840 by Henriette and André Tiollier. Based in the heart of Savoie in the village of Cruet at altitude, the Tiollier couple were the first to bottle their wine in the region to showcase local grape varieties such as Jacquère or Mondeuse (often considered the ancestor of Syrah).

Sylvain Tiollier, a young winemaker in his thirties, gradually took over the estate from his father and uncle in 2011. Thanks to his travels around the world to vinify different grape varieties and terroirs, he brings contemporary expertise to the estate.

The mountain climate (the vineyard is located in the heart of the Alps) is the secret to the balance of Idylle wines; during the day, the vineyard benefits from full sun and warmth on the southeast slopes, while the cooler nights preserve freshness and balance in the wines.

The Domaine benefits from an exceptional exposure on these steep slopes overlooking the southern side of the Savoie valley, facing the Alps. The vineyard soil consists of scree composed of clay and limestone, renowned as one of the best in Savoie.

The mountainous climate of Savoie is the key to the balance of the estate’s wines. Characterized by cool nights and strong sunlight during the day on our slopes, these temperature variations enhance grape ripening and preserve freshness.