The manufacturing steps of our spirits
We manage the entire production process, from gathering to bottling. Mountain flowers and plants such as the elderflower and black genepi are hand-picked by us in the Valmorel valleys of Savoie. Discover our traditional know-how, which is part of our approach to preserving our ecosystem.
Step 1: The gathering of mountain flowers and plants
Throughout the year, we gather the wild flowers and mountain plants we need for our production. All our natural ingredients (plants, flowers) and gathering methods are certified organic. We’re one of the few distilleries to gather in the wild and to be virtually self-sufficient. In order not to plunder resources and to preserve our ecosystem, we do our best to never gather in the same place.
The convivial moments of gathering in the wild embody the passion we have for our local environment.
There’s nothing like the family hay barn as a natural dryer.
"The natural resources of our valleys are the pillars of our mountain distillery."
“The natural resources of our valleys are the pillars of our mountain distillery. “
Some of these wild gatherings take place at very high altitude, between 2,800 and 3,600m, such as for black genepi.
Our orchards and altitude gardens are cultivated naturally. The vagaries of nature produce different harvests every year. This is why each vintage is unique.
Some of these wild gatherings take place at very high altitude, between 2,800 and 3,600m, such as for black genepi.
Step 2: The conservation
Immediately after gathering, these mountain plants are carefully conditioned in order to preserve all their aromatic qualities. Depending on their properties, they are used either dried, fresh or even frozen in our Valmorel factory.
Step 3: The manufacturing of our spirits
This step respects traditional craftsmanship. Depending on our recipes, we combine several techniques to make our spirits.
Our aim? To create a unique identity for each one.
Fermentation is the first step for the transformation of sugars into alcohol.
Suspension, in which the plant is hung above the base spirit to impart its aromas.
Maceration, alone or in addition, both before and after distillation.
Steam distillation in our traditional copper stills for certain aromatic extractions.
Double distillation in our traditional copper stills for the eaux de vie.
More or less prolonged ageing in our cellars.
Suspension, in which the plant is hung above the base spirit to impart its aromas.
Maceration, alone or in addition, both before and after distillation.
Steam distillation in our traditional copper stills for certain aromatic extractions.
Double distillation in our traditional copper stills for the eaux de vie.
More or less prolonged ageing in our cellars.
All our waste is composted to produce natural fertilizer.
What does a still look like?
For a more sustainable approach, our stills are cooled using local spring water rather than using the mains water supply.
STEP 4: The bottling
To bring out the best in our spirits, Roxane has conceived bottles with an elegant, and modern design. We do the bottling and labelling by hand, making each flask unique.
The bottling
HIGH-MOUNTAIN FRENCH PRODUCERS
#blueberries
“The convivial moments of gathering in the wild embody the passion we have for our local environment.”
#plums
“We gather in the wild most of the fruit and plants necessary for our production.”
#pears
“Our orchards and altitude gardens are cultivated naturally.”