Eloi Gros

Eloi Gros hails from a family of dedicated winegrowers at Domaine des Terres Vivantes, who have always prioritized environmental sustainability. Despite his family's deep-rooted connection to winemaking, Eloi initially pursued a different path. He attended business school and later worked in consulting in Paris. However, his passion for wine was sparked by a talented caviste who introduced him to remarkable wines from the Jura and Beaujolais regions. This experience led Eloi to rediscover his heritage and embrace winemaking.

In 2019, Eloi joined Domaine Marcel Lapierre in Villié-Morgon, where he took on the roles of cellar master and vineyard manager. His time at Domaine Marcel Lapierre has been instrumental in honing his skills and deepening his understanding of natural winemaking. In 2022, Eloi embarked on his own winemaking journey.

The terroir of Blacé

Blacé, located in the Beaujolais region of France, is renowned for its unique terroir that significantly influences the character of its wines. The vineyards in Blacé are primarily planted on granite and schistous soils, which are shallow and well-drained. This type of soil is ideal for the Gamay grape, the predominant varietal in the region, as it encourages deep root growth and enhances the mineral complexity of the wines.

The altitude of the vineyards, often around 500 meters, contributes to a cooler microclimate, which is beneficial for maintaining acidity and freshness in the grapes. This elevation, combined with the granite terroir, results in wines that are expressive, with vibrant fruit flavors and a distinct minerality.

The climate in Blacé is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with sufficient rainfall to support vine growth without excessive water stress. This balanced climate allows for a long growing season, enabling the grapes to develop full ripeness while retaining their natural acidity.

In the vineyard

Eloi's vineyards are situated high in the hills of Beaujolais, at an elevation of around 500 meters, and are isolated from conventional farming practices. The steep slopes, with gradients ranging from 40% to 50%, necessitate manual labor for vineyard management. Tasks such as cable plowing and hand spraying are essential due to the challenging terrain. Eloi is committed to preserving the indigenous flora in his vineyards, allowing non-competitive plants like wild strawberries, wild thyme, and ivy to thrive while removing grasses that compete too much with the vines. He is currently in his first year of organic farming certification, further emphasizing his dedication to sustainable practices.

The soils in Eloi's vineyards are predominantly granitic and siliceous, with some parcels also containing basaltic and volcanic rocks. The orientation of the parcels plays a significant role in the wine profiles, with "Sous Montmain" facing east and "Au Laveur" facing south. This variation in exposure to sunlight influences the characteristics of the wines produced from each parcel.

In the cellar

Eloi employs a natural approach to vinification. He vats whole cluster utilizing 10 to 15 days of semi-carbonic maceration, indigenous yeasts, and spontaneous fermentation. The wines are aged for 10 months in barrels of 228 and 400 liters. 

In 2022, Eloi used a minimal dose of sulfur dioxide (1g/hl) to control volatility, but in 2023, he opted for a zero-addition approach. His long-term goal is to produce wines without any additives, allowing the true expression of the terroir to shine through.

The wines of Eloi

Eloi's winemaking philosophy centers on achieving good phenolic maturity while maintaining freshness, acidity, and reasonable alcohol levels. The altitude of his parcels plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. Eloi is dedicated to producing parcellaire cuvées, which highlight the unique characteristics of each individual parcel.

 His commitment to natural and sustainable practices reflects his deep respect for the environment and his desire to create wines that are a true reflection of their origin.