THE ORCHARD
A COHABITATION OF FRUIT
At Domaine des Salamandres, pear trees and vines commingle, and their marriage forms the basis of our firm’s identity.
The fruit seasons succeed one another, and the products that result pay them tribute.
RESPECTING THE NATURE
For a long time our vineyard has been operated under an organic management system, corresponding as that does to our values of respect for the environment and for biodiversity.
In 2011, nature taught us a lesson that compelled us take a new direction, but without ever moving away from our values. A problem involving a beetle called the rose chafer led to our almost losing a large part of our plants’ leaves. The defenses certified by an organic regime were no match for these ravaging effects. Faced with this case of force majeure, we put the certification to one side and took the measures needed to save our plants.
Our agricultural management and our culture nevertheless remain minimalist, considered and environmentally responsible. We use a minimum of chemical additives, and our weeding is done mechanically.
THE SALAMANDER
Ten species of salamander live on estate land, one of them being the Allegheny mountain dusky salamander. This species, threatened in Québec, is found in only two places in Canada: the Niagara, Ontario region, and here, around Covey Hill.
COHABITING WITH THE SALAMANDER
The organization Nature Conservancy Canada is carrying out a research project for the protection of this amphibian’s natural habitat around Covey Hill. The study, conducted in the form of a natural laboratory, seeks to understand the factors that contribute to decline in salamander colonies. At our estate, we believe in the importance of preserving this natural environment. We make certain that our operations have the least possible negative impact on this fragile space for life.
The family’s first encounter with the salamanders was quite the surprise. During the dismantling of the previous owner’s wine cellar, we stumbled on an entire colony of salamanders. And right away we understood that we were in their home as much as they were in ours! Thus did cohabitation begin with this fascinating and wonderful species. When our family wanted to give the estate a name that was representative of the place and the region, salamander was a natural choice.
OUR PRODUCTS
KNOWHOW AND HUMILITY ARE WHAT GUIDES US BOTH IN THE GROWING OF OUR FRUIT AND IN THE
WINE-MAKING PROCESS.
Our approach is aligned with our values, meaning that our processing methods are carefully thought-out: we use as few chemical inputs and sulfites as possible and we work with natural yeasts, except where it’s unfeasible to do so. That also explains why most of our products may develop a slight fizz.
Our pear and apple products keep you company from aperitif to digestive, running the gamut from dry to sweet. Thanks to true craftsmanship aimed at making the best of our fruit available, we can offer you a complete range, mature and varied, for which we’ve earned numerous awards. Our brand image perfectly reflects our approach to things: at one and the same time classic, timeless and contemporary.